The Bengals have been known to draft “project” players over the last few of drafts. Cincinnati prefers to bring their young players along slowly, so we as fans our left waiting for some time to see how these players will benefit the team.
One of these players was last year’s third round selection Will Clarke. The West Virginia product came to the Bengals as a serious project. Although Clarke offered great size at 6’6″, 271 pounds, his technique needed serious refinement. Clarke offered nice upside in this way though. At West Virginia, he earned the “Iron Mountaineer” award three times, which is given to the best-conditioned athlete at West Virginia.