Mel Kiper of ESPN.com released his first 2010 NFL Mock Draft this week with the Cincinnati Bengals selecting Florida Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez as the 21st overall pick. Kiper believes Hernandez could be a key addition to a team in need of improvement in the passing game.
With the NFL Draft exactly three months away, one of the main--if not the top--areas of concern for the Bengals is Carson Palmer and the passing game. Despite an impressive 2009 campaign in which Cincinnati finished 10-6 and were crowned AFC North Champions, they struggled to stay consistent in the passing game. Many expected Palmer to flourish with weapons in Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles--who signed with the team in March after T.J. Houshmandzadeh left for the Seattle Seahawks.
Instead, the Bengals struggled week after week, averaging just 180.6 yards per game through the air, finishing 26th among NFL teams.
So how much of an impact would a player like Hernandez have on the Bengals' passing game?
For starters, Hernandez was a key part in the Florida offense--especially for Tim Tebow and the passing game. He led all Gators receivers with 68 receptions, finishing 2009 with 850 yards and five touchdowns.
With the ability of a tight end to not only block, but be a threat as a wide receiver down the field, Hernandez could become a valuable target for Palmer to rely on entering next season.
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