The Sports Xchange

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals used their first two picks of the draft to take offensive tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher. It’s the sixth time in franchise history they’ve selected players at the same position with their top two picks.

They chose defensive tackles Mike Reid and Ron Carpenter in 1970, defensive tackles Eddie Edwards and Wilson Whitley in 1977, wide receivers David Verser and Cris Collinsworth in 1981, linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons in 1998 and linebackers David Pollak and Odell Thurman in 2005.

Head coach Marvin Lewis isn’t worried about bruising any egos in that or any other position room.

“They’re pros,” Lewis said. “They want to have the best team we can have in the National Football League so we’ve got to add good players to it all of the time. They understand that. They went through the process when they were picked. They know how that works. We want to have the best football team. They’re out front. They can continue to prove that.”

–Fourth-round pick Josh Shaw is infamously known for lying about how he injured both of his ankles last August. Shaw’s original story was that he had jumped from a second-story balcony to rescue his 7-year-old nephew from drowning in a pool. That story was soon proven false. While there was no criminal activity involved with the incident, Shaw’s attempted cover-up cost him a 10-game suspension from all team activities.

The Bengals were comfortable that this was a one-time incident and not indicative of a larger character flaw. Defensive backs coach Vance Joseph pointed out repeatedly that Shaw had graduated after 31/2 years.

“His mistake was more maturity than it was his being a bad character guy,” Joseph said. “It was a major deal, but (he’s) not a bad person. Not a bad person. I’ve played in this league, I’ve coached in this league a long time. There’s been a lot worse guys drafted and played. If he’s a problem, that’s a good thing.”

–By picking tight ends Tyler Kroft in the third round and C.J. Uzomah in the fifth round the Bengals eliminated any thought they might bring back Jermaine Gresham as a free agent. Gresham’s name plate was still on his locker when the team began its voluntary offseason workout program two weeks ago, but it’s no longer there.

Gresham was the team’s first-round pick in 2010 and caught 280 passes for 2,722 yards and 24 touchdowns in five seasons but wore out his welcome in 2014. While Gresham was second on the team with 62 catches, his yards-per-catch was a career-low 7.4. He missed a late-season game at Cleveland and the playoff loss at Indianapolis with injuries.

The Bengals were without Tyler Eifert and Alex Smith most of last season because of injuries. Eifert is the only one still on the roster.

“You see me sitting here with a big smile on my face since (Friday) night,” said tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes. “With Alex walking out the door and Jermaine, we had a transition.”

–TCU linebacker Paul Dawson was the last player chosen in the third round, No. 99 overall. Dawson was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year but dropped on a lot of draft boards because of slow times in the 40.

“They can say whatever they want to about my speed, but as long as I’m making plays on the field they can’t say anything,” Dawson said.

Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who previously coached linebackers, said he likens Dawson to outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict in one important skill set.

“One thing you can’t coach is, he doesn’t take many false steps,” Guenther said. “On tape, he was one of my favorite guys. I’m very particular about linebackers and what I’m looking for, and he had a lot of traits that I like.”

A closer look at the Bengals’ picks:

–Round 1/21 – Cedric Ogbuehi, T, 6-5, 306, Texas A&M

The Bengals are convinced that if not for a torn ACL suffered in the Liberty Bowl last December, Ogbuehi would’ve been a top-10 pick. Chances are great that Ogbuehi won’t be ready to play at the start of the season, but that didn’t dissuade the Bengals from taking him. They love his athleticism and quick feet.

–Round 2/53 – Jake Fisher, T, 6-6, 306, Oregon

The Bengals had Fisher among the players they were targeting in the first round, so when he was still around in the second round they stayed true to their draft board. He may not become a starter right away, but he will play sooner than later.

–Round 3/85 – Tyler Kroft, TE, 6-5, 246, Rutgers

If there were any inclinations of bringing Jermaine Gresham back as a free agent, this pick ended those thoughts. Kroft showed he could be a downfield threat in 2013, catching 43 passes. He was asked to be more of a blocker last season and showed he was effective do that as well.

–Round 3/99 – Paul Dawson, LB, 6-0, 235, TCU

The Bengals needed to add to their linebacker depth after seven different players started games at linebacker for them in 2014. The unknown health status of Vontaze Burfict, who is coming off microfracture knee surgery, could make Dawson the most important member of this draft class.

–Round 4/120 – Josh Shaw, CB, 6-0, 201, USC

The Bengals add another tall, physical corner for their man-to-man coverage style. Shaw has played on the outside, in the slot and at safety in college. The Bengals love that versatility. It helped trump any issues they might have had concerning his suspension last season for lying.

–Round 4/135 – Marcus Hardison, DT, 6-3, 307, Arizona State

Went from making five tackles as a junior in 2013 to leading the Sun Devils with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss as a senior. Played as an end most of last season, but the Bengals plan on start him out playing inside in their 4-3 system.

–Round 5/157 – C.J. Uzomah, TE, 6-6, 262, Auburn

Played in total of 49 games with 13 starts for Auburn. Wasn’t used heavily in the passing game as a receiver, making just 29 receptions for 435 yards, but did have seven career touchdowns.

–Round 6/197 – Derron Smith, S, 5-10, 200, Fresno State

Smith intercepted 15 passes in his career, including 13 between the 2012 and 2013 seasons, and is one of just six players in Fresno State history credited with 300 or more tackles. Breaking into the secondary for playing time will be difficult, but the Bengals are looking to replenish their special teams after Taylor Mays signed with Minnesota as a free agent.

–Round 7/238 – Mario Alford, WR, 5-8, 180, West Virginia

The Bengals are hopeful Alford brings the same explosive speed and play-making ability he showed in his two seasons at WVU. He led the Mountaineers with a 14.5 yard-per-catch average last season and 13 total touchdowns; he had 11 touchdown catches and returned two kickoffs for scores. He ran a 4.27 40-yard dash at his pro day.