Bengals' Selection of Gresham Makes OU History

Originally Published: Apr 22, 2010 5:27 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NEW YORK CITY – The Cincinnati Bengals completed a historic NFL Draft for OU by selecting tight end Jermaine Gresham with the No. 21 pick, marking the first time in program history that four Sooners were selected in the first round of the same draft.

The last time three OU players were selected in the first round came in 1976, which featured Lee Roy Selmon, Joe Washington and Billy Brooks all being selected in the top 11 picks. That was the Sooners’ most impressive draft until Thursday.

Gresham joined Sam Bradford, Gerald McCoy and Trent Williams – all of whom were selected in the first five picks – in becoming the first foursome to be picked in the first round.

Gresham will join a Cincinnati team that has always lacked a dominant receiver at the tight end position. The Bengals are led by marquee quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, but they have almost no other legitimate options in the passing game.

Despite the talented duo of Palmer and Ochocinco, Cincinnati finished with the No. 26 passing attack in the NFL last season, averaging just 181 passing yards per game.

Gresham fits perfectly in the Bengals’ offensive system with his ability to stretch the field with his rare combination of speed and size. His presence will force teams to respect the ability to attack the middle of the field, which should open the outside for Ochocinco.

If he is able to remain healthy, Gresham could become one of the most dominant young tight ends in the league.