by Chris Asbrock

The 2013 NFL draft took place over a week ago.

Now that we have had some time to sit back and review the draft, I am going to grade the Bengals draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals made some noise on day 1 of the draft by taking Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert with the 21st pick.

Some people scoffed at this pick.

I love it.

This pick gives Andy Dalton another weapon at his disposal.

I would love to see the Bengals use a two TE set with Gresham and Eifert.

The rest of the draft, is as follows:

RD 2, Pick 5 (37th overall)

Giovani Bernard (RB, North Carolina) – The Bengals absolutely love Bernard. He was high on their draft board the entire time. This is a great pick. Bernard is a quick running back that will provide that change of pace, complementing the law firm.

RD 2, Pick 21 (53rd overall)

Margus Hunt (DL, SMU) – I can begin to tell you how much I love this pick. Hunt is an absolute stud. I stumbled upon him on TV a couple of years ago and immediately fell in love with his play. He is extremely versatile. He can play inside, outside and especially on special teams. This guy can block kicks. I truly believe this could be the steal of the draft, for any team. Bengals Special Teams coach, Darrin Simmons has to be salivating at the thought of Hunt playing special teams.

RD 3, Pick 22 (84th overall)

Shawn Williams (S, Georgia) – The Bengals needed to address the safety position. They were unable to take Jonathan Cyprien from Florida International, instead, they took the next best one. Williams can play special teams and can certainly hold his own in the secondary.

The Bengals were able to address all of their needs in this draft.

RD 4, Pick 21 (118th overall)
Sean Porter (LB, Texas A&M)

RD 5, Pick 23 (156th overall)
Tanner Hawkinson (OL, Kansas)

RD 6, Pick 22 (190th overall)
Rex Burkhead (RB, Nebraska)

RD 6, Pick 29 (197th overall)
Cobi Hamilton (WR, Arkansas)

RD 7, Pick 34 (240th overall)
Reid Fragel (OL, Ohio State)

RD 7, Pick 45 (251st overall)
T.J. Johnson (OL, South Carolina)

I love this draft by the Bengals. By signing tackle Andre Smith, the Bengals were able to take some chances, mainly Margus Hunt. Once again, the Cincinnati Bengals have had a very successful draft. They have addressed their needs and have once again provided Andy Dalton with more weapons. There are no more excuses for the Bengals as they must take the next step and get a playoff win for the first time in two decades.

FTI Draft Grade: A