The Cincinnati Bengals have a dependable, workhorse runner at the top of their depth chart in BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but they could also use a little more speed and playmaking ability at the position. Jason Garrison at Cincy Jungle is here to address that very need.
2013 NFL mock draft: Giovani Bernard to Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are in need of an upgrade at running back.
Mark Dolejs-US PRESSWIRE
| Team | Player | Position | Height | Weight | Class |
| 53. Cincinnati Bengals | Giovani Bernard, North Carolina | RB | 5'8" | 202 | SO |
Jason Garrison: "The Bengals are in need of a running back to complement BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who excelled as a short-yardage back and in the red zone, but isn’t a home run threat. The addition of Bernard, who can serve as a change of pace back and on special teams, will boost the team’s running game which will, in turn, help Andy Dalton and the passing game. Bernard could also potentially take the reins as the team’s primary back once Green-Ellis hits free agency following the 2014 season. A solid running game could help the Bengals reach the playoffs for the third season in a row." |  | ||||
Here’s our own Dan Kadar to break down the pick:
Don’t let Bernard’s average 40-yard dash numbers fool you, he’s got solid wheels. Bernard is arguably the best all-around back in the draft this year. He can make tacklers miss and has decent power. In just two years at North Carolina, he caught 92 passes, so at the least he can start as a third-down back. A lot of Bernard’s game is reminiscent to LeSean McCoy.
That’s a wrap on our trio of mock draft picks today; check back in tomorrow for pick Nos. 54-56.
| # | Player | Pos. | College | Ht. | Wt. |
| 37 | John Jenkins | DT | Georgia | 6'4" | 346 |
| 39 | Jamie Collins | LB | Southern Miss | 6'3" | 250 |
| 40 | Gavin Escobar * | TE | San Diego State | 6'6" | 254 |
| 43 | Khaseem Greene | LB | Rutgers | 6'1" | 241 |
| 51 | Justin Hunter * | WR | Tennessee | 6'4" | 196 |
Bengals picks
| Rd | # | Team | Player | Pos. | College |
| 1 | 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | Kenny Vaccaro | S | Texas |
| 2 | 37 | Cincinnati Bengals | Alex Okafor | DE | Texas |
| 2 | 53 | Cincinnati Bengals | Giovani Bernard | RB | North Carolina |
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