Draft Rewind 2013 – Giovani Bernard – Cincinnati Bengals

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about GIOVANI BERNARD: North Carolina, 5083 202 4.51. Junior entry. Two year starter with experience in a pro style and a spread up-tempo offense. A dynamic playmaker when healthy. Productive as a runner, pass catcher, and punt return specialist. A redshirt sophomore who is an impact runner and game changer. Quick and elusive laterally. Powerful lower body. Quick to and though the hole. Has natural instincts and feel for running the ball. Quick reactions. Ability to create positive yardage on poorly blocked plays. Emmitt Smith type feet and vision. A top level punt returner. Fringe size for a feature back. Durability concerns. History of injuries, must be close to 100% to perform. Needs to improve his ability to hold up in pass protection. Question ability to take punishment, play hurt, and endurance after a long run. Follows and cuts off his blocks. Elusive with good downfield maneuverability. Lacks long finish speed. Not the feature bell cow, but a premium rotation type back. Has the skills to replace a stop gap starter or career backup. 2012 stats: 1228 yds, 6.7 ypc, 12 TD, 47 rec, 490 yds, 5 TD. OSR:7/34. Second/third round. (A-28, H-9 3/8, BP-19, SS-4.12). CAMP NOTES: Running back Giovani Bernard is a three down back who will upgrade the ball club’s passing attack. He is particularly skilled at running pass routes out of the backfield. A dynamic playmaker when healthy, he is quick and elusive laterally with a powerful lower body. He has natural instincts and feel for running the ball. Coordinator Jay Gruden will feature Bernard running both the inside and outside zones.