NFL Scouting Combine 2013: Is Gio Bernard a Good Fit for the Bengals?
After a season filled with career highs that was topped off with scoring the game winning touchdown to defeat the North Carolina State Wolfpack for the first time in five years, it brought much sadness to North Carolina Tar Heel fans when Giovanni Bernard announced he would be entering the 2013 NFL Draft.
North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard speaks to the media during a news conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Friday, December 14, 2012, to announce his decision to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. Looking on is UNC head coach Larry Fedora. (Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT via Getty Images)
However, there is no one more deserving than Bernard on the Tar Heels football team to get this chance that so few get to experience.
After his two year college career, Bernard has rushed for 2,481 yards and scored twenty-five rushing touchdowns. This past season he had 490 receiving yards and scored five receiving touchdowns.
It was also his first year as a punt returner where he scored two punt returns and most famously as mentioned above, when he scored the game winning touchdown against North Carolina State in the closing seconds of the game.
But where would Bernard fit in the NFL?
The Cincinatti Bengals would be an ideal rookie start for the talented and speedy running back.
The Bengals have two running backs returning that are on contract for this season: Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Boom Herron.
Immediately, I would believe Bernard at the very least could be the second string reserve running back for the Bengals. Bernard has the talent to come in and be a starter, but would have to show it during training camp.
Either way, Bernard would compliment Green-Ellis very well and both could make a very explosive duo in the backfield in Cincinatti.
Most mock drafts have the Bengals making a defensive pick in the first round, and there are no elite running backs to be selected in the first round. Bernard is considered by many the best running back eligible in the draft and would be a good pick up for the Bengals in the second round.