Overview
The former Texas high school football, track and field and power-lifting star has been a stalwart for the Cyclones since stepping into the starting lineup at right guard with four games left in his redshirt freshman season.

Stephens moved over to the left guard spot for his sophomore campaign before playing both guard spots as a junior in 2008. His coaches moved him again before his senior year, asking him to play the pivot -- a move that helped the team become eligible for postseason play and win the Insight Bowl over Minnesota.

The 2008 and 2009 honorable mention All-Big 12 pick has impressed scouts with that versatility and unselfishness. Stephens may not win many foot races over 40 yards, but his relatively nimble feet at 334 pounds has also put him on NFL teams' radars as a solid late-round selection.

Analysis
Positives: Durable, reliable lineman who played his best against top competition like Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh. Could play right guard or center in a power system (not zone blocking). Once he latches on, is difficult to move or disengage from. Natural leader.

Negative: Heavy feet, struggles to move laterally in pass protection. Needs help against quicker tackles and picking up blitzes. Catches rushers, does not attack. Looks lazy at times, hard to tell whether he does not hustle or is not just unable to move.

The Bengals add another wide out to the mix. Cbssports says:

Briscoe is a big, physical receiver whose 31 touchdown receptions in 37 games with the Jayhawks proved his ability to find the end zone. Perhaps one of the most unrecognized deep threats in college football, he has produced 219 receptions during his career (second in school history), with 49 of those catches resulting in gains of 20 yards or longer.

Briscoe and Kerry Meier became one of the most productive receiving tandems in the NCAA since stepping into the lineup in 2007. Despite the team's 5-7 record in 2009, the duo averaged 193.50 yards receiving per game in 2009, which ranked second in the nation to Missouri's tandem of Danario Alexander and Jared Perry (200.27 yards per game).

Their combined average of 15.5 receptions per game also ranked second nationally, surpassed by only Bowling Green's pair of receivers, Freddie Barnes and Chris Wright (15.46 receptions per game). Briscoe (seven) and Meier (five) combined for twelve 100-yard receiving performances in 2009. Seven times during that season, the duo produced 10-reception contests (Briscoe-two; Meier-five).

The school's record-holder for touchdown receptions, 100-yard receiving performances and receiving yardage, Briscoe finished his career fourth in Big Twelve Conference history with his 31 scoring grabs and 3,240 aerial yards. His 269 yards receiving vs. Oklahoma in 2008 set the school game-record and rank third on the league record chart. He also boasts the second-best receiving game by a Jayhawk with his 242-yard effort vs. Missouri in 2009, which rank fourth in Big Twelve annals.

After a quick search I found the following on Otis Hudson:

Otis Hudson, offensive tackle from Eastern Illinois University, is one of 10 likely late-round picks or undrafted free agents who could eventually become quality NFL starters, according to Sporting News Magazine.
"Otis is a hard worker with great size and an even greater attitude. He is extremely agile for being such a big guy and has really elevated his game," said Performance Gaines Founder Travelle Gaines, who has personally trained more than 200 current NFL players, including Reggie Bush, Steve Smith, Marcus Trufant and Willie Parker. "For the 2010 NFL draft, I have been training 24 top prospects, including Otis, and Otis is just as good as everyone I've seen. He has a work ethic that outclasses most and is very cooperative and coachable, which are intangibles you can't teach."

His coaches, trainers and just about everyone who meet him agree - Hudson is a gentle giant with outstanding character and a machine-like work ethic built by overcoming adversity. He also has a story with similarities to the Oscar-winning movie "The Blind Side".

Hudson grew up on the tough streets of Chicago's west side where he quickly realized his own athletic ability by protecting himself from gangs. In the 5th grade, he used his strength and speed to avoid a confrontation with 15 gang members who ambushed him while walking home after winning a big basketball game. "I was walking home with a giant gold trophy and all of a sudden 15 teenagers ganged up on me. The gangs were always trying to recruit me because of my size. I had to fight or run every day to protect myself," said Hudson.

To help avoid further confrontations and leverage his height, Hudson began playing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball. Through AAU, Hudson met Nick Leopardo of Barrington, an affluent northwest suburb of Chicago. Nick and the Leopardo family established a close-knit connection with Otis, and that relationship eventually became the motivation for Otis and his family to move out of the city.

In the 8th grade, Hudson started his football career by playing both offensive and defensive line positions for the city league. One year later, as a freshman at Chicago's John Marshall Metro High School, Hudson was the starting defensive end on the varsity squad. He was also the starting center on the school's basketball team and received Rookie of the Year honors for both sports.

Realizing the importance of education for NCAA eligibility, and wanting to eliminate the stresses of almost daily gang violence, Hudson approached his parents about moving to the suburbs. "I asked my mom if there was any way we could move because I wanted a better education. She said yes and that she was going to look into their options," Hudson recalled. That summer, Hudson and his family moved from the streets of Chicago to the suburb of Barrington, where Hudson could be closer to the Leopardo family, who had become tremendous supporters of Hudson and his potential.

As a junior and senior at Barrington High School, Hudson played basketball, track and field, and football. At football, he was a standout player on both offense and defense. He helped his team reach the state quarterfinals game his junior year. As a senior, Hudson played right guard and earned All Conference and All Area recognitions. The Chicago Tribune named him one of Illinois' top 100 players. In strong academic standing, Hudson received multiple scholarship offers and ultimately chose the University of Minnesota.

After a redshirted first season, Hudson started as right guard and then moved to defensive tackle. In the wake of a coaching transition and craving more opportunities on the offensive line, Hudson transferred to Eastern Illinois University, where he made an immediate impact.

The 6'5", 320-pound Hudson started 24 of 26 games as right tackle during his two seasons at Eastern Illinois and the team won the Ohio Valley Conference title in Hudson's last season.

After graduating from Eastern Illinois with a degree in construction management, Hudson traveled to California to train with the top NFL development facility in the country, Performance Gaines. Hudson is represented by Vinnie Porter of PTA Sports Management.

With the final pick in the 4th round the Bengals select Roddrick Muckelroy, LB from Texas.  When reading the writeup in in CBSSports, it seems this is a good player with even better character.

Muckelroy is a student of the game who breaks down game films, spots tendencies of the opposition and acts like a coach on the field while also serving as a mentor for his younger teammates. Some of the staff jokes that his biggest strengths might consist of a pencil and a piece of paper.

Muckelroy's work ethic has helped him become one of the Longhorns' defensive leaders. Muckelroy's ability to play any of the three linebacker positions has proven to be invaluable. Most of his starting experience came at the weak-side outside linebacker position, but when 2009 fall camp injuries depleted the depth at middle linebacker, he made a seamless transition moving inside, going on to earn All-Big Twelve Conference honors for the second time as a starter.

The veteran of the Texas defense has also set a good example for his fellow mates to hit everything that gets in your way. He nicknamed his unit, "The Goon Squad" for their ability to attack the pocket relentlessly. Muckelroy told the Austin American-Statesman "it means throwing your body around without a care."

Harming opposing quarterbacks seems to be another trait. Texas knocked out Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, a week after ending Sam Bradford's season for Oklahoma. While he might play as if he's on a "search and destroy" mission, off the field Muckelroy is possibly more involved within the community than any other Longhorn.

So the Bengals go out and get another D lineman.  I love it. Here is what CBSSports has to say in there analysis:

Pass rush: Very good initial explosion off the snap. Very good bull rush to push the guard deep into the pocket. Needs to improve his use of hands to disengage from blocks. Relies on his quickness and strength, but too rarely is able to get off blocks once properly engaged. Doesn't make enough plays in the backfield for how consistently he's back there.

Run defense: Initial quickness and explosive pop he hit offensive linemen with can be just as effective against the running game. Recognizes the cut block and sprawls quickly to protect his knees. Good upper-body strength to slip off blocks as the ballcarrier runs past. Lacks sustained quickness to close, however. If he doesn't stop the ballcarrier at the line, Atkins rarely gets him as he shows only marginal effort in pursuit.

Explosion: Fires off the ball, showing very good quickness off the snap. Can split the gap and disrupt the play before it has a chance to get started.

Strength: Good strength to stack and shed. Uses his natural leverage advantage and good lower body strength to anchor.

Tackling: Good strength to slip off blocks for the drag-down tackle as the ballcarrier is slipping by. Marginal flexibility to break down in space and resorts to lunging. Good explosiveness if given a clear lane to generate speed.

Intangibles: Short, stumpy defender with limited room for additional muscle mass. Constantly rotated here and seems to tire easily. Good bloodlines. Father, Gene Atkins, Sr., played 10 years in the NFL as a safety with the New Orleans Saints. Occasionally lined up as a fullback in short-yardage situations. Hasn't proven the work ethic or determination to take advantage of his skill set. Seems to have the tools to be a difference-maker, but needs constant prodding from coaches. Good academics. Graduated from high school a semester early and has earned Honor Roll recognition while at UGA.

NFL Comparison: Anthony McFarland, ex-Tampa Bay/Indianapolis

Lets ask CJ Spiller if he knows who Brandon Ghee is:

With their first pick in the third round the Bengals pull in Texas wide receiving stud Jordan Shipley.

With their second round pick the Bengals attempt to get better on their pass rush by selecting Carlos Dunlap from the Gators.

Scouts say: (from cbssports)

Blessed with a rare combination of size, strength and speed -- Dunlap has drawn comparisons to former No. 1 overall selections Julius Peppers and Mario Williams -- Dunlap appeared capable of challenging to be the top pick in the draft based on his production in the SEC.

The first-team all-conference selection had nine sacks in 2009, including two against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl blowout, a solid follow-up to his sophomore season in which he posted 9.5 sacks en route to All-American and BCS Championship defensive MVP honors. With Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden and potentially even Urban Meyer moving on, Dunlap chose to enter the draft after his junior season. He left ranked 10th in Gator history with 19.5 sacks despite only starting 15 games over his career.

With their first pick in the draft the Bengals look to have improved upon one of the most frustrating aspects of the offense last year. Balls were dropped, fumbled and missed when a big play from the tight end position was needed.  Many thought Chase Coffman may have been an answer to this need in the coming season, but I think the Bengals made a big statement by drafting another pass catching tight end.  Lets hope this guy sees the field this year. 

For now, enjoy it.

SCOUT'S TAKE

Pros: Gresham has superior size, strength, athleticism, and pass-catching ability. Last season, Gresham had 66 catches for 950 yards, and led the team with 14 touchdowns. Those 14 touchdowns in a season were more than any tight end in school history (a school that produced Keith Jackson)and put him second all-time behind Mark Clayton (15) among Sooners. He currently has 26 career touchdowns and needs eight more to set the mark.

Cons: He needs to add some bulk, which would help his blocking come along.

You can pick one of the following three options:  A. I either natually look like this B. I just smelled something terrible or C. I just got done watching the NFL Combine FOR YOU!  Well the answer is C.  That's right, I risked life and limb just so I could report back to you about who looked good and who looked not so good when it comes to the positions that the Bengals may be interested in drafting high.  You owe me.  I take payment in cash, food and ladie's phone numbers.  Here's what I saw:

Wide Receivers:

It is widely thought that the Bengals are in desperate need of a deep threat receiver who can stretch the field and give Chad and Carson more room to work.  The fastest of the receivers was Clemson's Ford Jacoby who ran an astonishing 4.28 40.  If you're not sure what a 4.28 40 means, it means that Jacoby is very Chris Johnsonish.  If you don't know who Chris Johnson is, go back to where you were before you stumbled upon this site.  While a 4.28 40 is very impressive, it isn't everything... see Under Argo vs. The Signing of Darius Heyward-Bey.  Jacoby would have to prove that he can run routes and, you know, catch a ball and not just run really fast in a straight line if he wants to be worthy of a first round pick....... AL DAVIS!!!

Other top performing wide receivers were Golden Tate from Notre Dame, Arrelious Benn from Illinois and Mardy Gilyard from Cincinnti.

While some see a wide receiver drafted in the first round, others look in their crystal ball and see the Bengals drafting a tight end.  While I tend to agree with the wide receiver argument, the tight end argument has some legs.  After all, players at the tight end position really showcased their ability to block well, catch every ball thrown to them and when they caught the ball, they certainly didn't fumble it.  So..... wait, what?....... oh...... they did the exact opposite of that?  Oh.  Man, I really need to stop drinking so heavily before the games.  Anyway, I guess our tight ends sucked last year and even though veteran and locker room leader Reggie Kelly could make a come back this year, it's unsure if he'll ever be the same after rupturing his achilles.  Besides, he was never really a pass catching threat anyway and who the hell knows what's going to happen to Chase Coffman.  At one point in the season, I thought he was dead.  The top tight end was Dorin Dickerson from Pitt.  He ran a 4.40 and put up some impressive numbers throughout the other drills including bench press where he lifted a baby elephant 24 times.  However, like Ford Jacoby, the combine only says so much.  Players would need to prove that they can do everything on the field, no just run fast and lift up large zoo babies.

Weeee!

This is where an extensive scouting department comes in handy........ shit.

Other top tight ends were Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma, Jimmy Graham from Miami (FL) and Clay Harbor from Missouri State. 

Who really knows what's going to happen.  I sure as hell don't and I'd be willing to bet that the Bengals front office isn't really sure quite yet either.