Alabama's Eddie Lacy widely was expected to be the first running back off the board in the 2013 NFL Draft, but it's no surprise that the Cincinnati Bengals opted for North Carolina's Giovani Bernard instead Friday night.
NFL '13 DRAFT XTRA
Follow on your smartphone or tablet for exclusive content including live video from Radio City Music Hall.
This pick was all about fit.
Linked to Reggie Bush prior to free agency, the Bengals made it known that they were in the market for a speedier big-play back to complement grinder BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Drawing comparisons to successful under-sized backs such as Brian Westbrook and Ray Rice, Bernard makes his biggest impact in space as a shifty playmaker.
An outstanding receiver out of the backfield, Bernard will combine with first-round tight end Tyler Eifert to give quarterback Andy Dalton the weapons he needs to advance past the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
