Teddy Bridgewater’s fall from a potential No. 1 overall pick to a possible second-round selection is one of the biggest storylines heading into next week’s NFL Draft. But his fall may not get past the 24th overall pick.
According to ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen, the Cincinnati Bengals are considered a “surprise” team to keep an eye on when it comes to Bridgewater. Though the team has more pressing needs in the defensive secondary and along the defensive line, the team is “in discussion” about drafting Bridgewater as a fallback option.
Another “surprise” QB team to watch: Bengals, even though there are needs at CB & DL. Teddy Bridgewater is in discussion as fallback option
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) May 3, 2014
The Bengals have been mentioned as a team that could draft a quarterback at some point in the draft as insurance for Andy Dalton, whose playoff struggles have been the biggest storyline in Cincinnati the past few years.
Dalton, a high second-round pick back in the 2011 draft, has started 48 games for Cincy, including three playoff games. However, the most recent of the playoff losses has left a bad taste for many fans.
Back in March, there was a report that the team was strongly considering adding either a veteran backup or a promising rookie to “push” Dalton. The Dayton Daily News linked the Bengals to former Georgia signal-caller Aaron Murray, a former teammate of star Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.
Journeyman Jason Campbell and Josh Johnson are the Nos. 2 and 3 behind Dalton.
There are also concerns about Dalton being the team’s long-term future under center.
In March, Dalton told SiriusXM NFL Radio that “there have been talks” with the team about a new contract. Coach Marvin Lewis told reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting that he was “hopeful” the Bengals would work out an extension, though the team must consider the financial ramifications of paying upwards of $15 million per season to a quarterback that hasn’t proven himself in the postseason.
The XN Sports Mock Draft 3.0 projects the Bengals to land former Auburn edge rusher Dee Ford with the 24th pick, though previous mocks have linked the team to cornerbacks as well.
