Cincinnati Bearcats 2014 NFL Draft Prospects
By Chris Bains
Oct 19, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Deven Drane (11) intercepts a pass from Connecticut Huskies quarterback Tim Boyle (not pictured) during the 2nd quarter of the game at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports
THE BEST OF THE REST
Cincinnati’s slot receiver had a strong senior season. McClung lead all players at his position with 939 reception yards and was second in receptions. But he only snagged five touchdowns and didn’t really establish himself as a “go to” option for UC quarterbacks like wide outs in the past. Plus he’s a little on the skinny side and really only fulfills one role for a team, that being on the inside. That lack of versatility and the fact that he didn’t run at UC’s Pro Day are big dings on his resume. McClung might get an invitation to a team’s camp, though.
The UC offense guard lined up opposite Sam Longo this past season and did a nice job not only protecting Brendon Kay but paving a path for Cincinnati runningbacks. Coming into the 2013 season I thought Bujnoch would be a sure-fire NFL Draft pick. To be honest, out of the five ‘Cats listed here, I think the guard has the best shot of getting drafted but more than likely an invite to a NFL camp is in his future. That shouldn’t be an issue, though. I have complete confidence in Bujnoch turning some heads in front of pro coaches and earning a spot on a roster that way.
Like Bujnoch, not even a year ago I would have projected Cincinnati’s shutdown cornerback was going to be selected this weekend. And in reality Deven Drane truly had a solid senior season posting 30 tackles, knocking down six passes, and picking off three of them. But an injury history is going to be an issue for him getting drafted along with the lack of a NFL Combine invite. Still, Drane has been rock-steady at corner for UC the past few years and his resume is as strong as any CB heading into this Draft.
The Cincinnati defensive tackle led all linemen with 45 tackles and also posted eight tackles for loss along with six sacks in 2013. But Jordan Stepp is undersized for the interior of the defensive line. At 6’1″ and 285 lbs, he’s simply too small for tackle at the professional level. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Stepp invited to a NFL Camp but it could very well be for a position on the edge of the defensive line.
The Fairfield native who decided to play for the hometown Bearcats coming out of high school has locked down UC’s free safety position for quite some time now. Arryn Chenault trailed only Zach Edwards with 57 tackles in 2013 along with six passes broken up and an interception. He has nice size at 6’0″ and 208 lbs but probably would need to add another 10-20 more to be a true contender to play at the professional level. Like several other Bearcats on this list, he has a good chance at being signed as an undrafted free agent then showing up in a NFL camp.