Cincinnati Bengals: 2013 NFL Draft Class Needs to Shine

Two years after seemingly acing the 2013 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals are still waiting for that class to step up. It seems strange to say now, but for as deep as the Bengals appear to be, some of their key additions from 2013 haven’t panned out.

The question is, will they ever?

The Bengals’ 2013 NFL Draft class is highlighted by running back Gio Bernard, tight end Tyler Eifert and defensive end Margus Hunt. All three were heralded for some combination of upside and immediate impact potential.

Cincinnati is still waiting to get its money’s worth.

Eifert was Cincinnati’s first-round draft pick, and it wasn’t very difficult to see why. He’s a 6’6″ and 250-pound tight end with fluid athleticism and outstanding hands.

Unfortunately, Eifert’s only played in a grand total of 16 games during his two NFL seasons.

Bernard, the second-rounder, was generally viewed as a steal given his versatility at running back. He could work between the tackles, bounce outside and catch passes, which seemingly made him the perfect complement to Andy Dalton.

Bernard had a solid rookie season and opened 2014 on a tear, but missed three games and saw a decline in both his yards per carry and yards per reception averages from 2013.

Hunt was drafted on upside and not much else. He’s a 6’8″ and 290-pound goliath from Estonia whose football experience is limited, but has shown the potential to be a dominant force along the defensive line.

With 1.5 sacks through two seasons, the 27-year-old is running out of time to come into his own. Most importantly, there’s a growing concern about whether or not he’ll be available for the start of 2014.

Per Coley Harvey of ESPN, Hunt is battling a back injury that’s plagued him since 2012.

"“We’re going day-by-day. I’m trying to be back as soon as possible,” Hunt said. “Training camp is still in the mix, it’s just when in training camp that’s the question.”“You’re in that adrenaline rush with the guys and you want to compete and everybody’s in the zone, but one bad move …” Hunt said, his voice trailing off."

Fortunately, the injury won’t require surgery. Unfortunately, Cincinnati ranked dead last in the NFL in sacks during the 2014 season.

It needs as many pass-rushing bodies as it can find.

In all, Cincinnati has suffered as Bernard’s statistics have trailed off, Eifert’s been battling injuries and Hunt has been a virtual non-factor. All three could still turn things around, but the time for patience has run out.

If they don’t provide Cincinnati with the impact expected of them in 2015, the front office may need to consider finding replacements.

Bernard has the most job security, as he’s been a dynamic contributor when healthy. He’s also an excellent complement to Jeremy Hill stylistically, which means the coaching staff will take the time to develop the duo.

In turn, Bernard avoids some of the wrath and criticism for the Bengals’ underachieving 2013 NFL Draft class. By all means and measures, he’s become a solid contributor.

The hope is that Bernard can take it to the next level with a Darren Sproles type of impact in the passing game.

Eifert is not void of pressure, as he’s been labeled as the future of the organization at tight end. Jermaine Gresham hasn’t provided much vertically, which is why Eifert was selected.

If he can come into his own in 2015, the Bengals would have one of the most unstoppable receiving corps in the NFL. If he doesn’t, it’d simply be more pressure on Dalton and A.J. Green.

Something’s gotta give.

In 2015, the 2013 NFL Draft class needs to do something big to help the Bengals get back to the playoffs. More importantly, it needs to provide an already postseason-caliber roster with the extra push to get over the opening round hump.

If it doesn’t, the Bengals may fail to give Marvin Lewis his first career postseason victory in 2015.

Next: Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill will determine how far the Bengals go in 2015

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