In the seventh and final round the Bengals filled two needs that could be affected by free agency with Southern Illinois cornerback Korey Lindsey and Baylor running back Jay Finley. They could be forced into bigger roles than they know even now sitting behind the two most notable Bengals free agents in cornerback Johnathan Joseph and running back Cedric Benson.
Lindsey was a two-time First Team AP All-American and widely regarded as one of the top shutdown corners in the FCS. In 50 games, Lindsey had 14 interceptions that included six in both 2008 and 2009. The 5-10, 188-pound Lindsey is slight, but he also has a history of playmaking in big situations. He made 100 stop-generating plays on third or fourth down in his career.
Lindsey jumps into a battle for the final cornerback slots in a group that could have an extra spot open if Joseph doesn't return.
"This is a guy whose had a productive career there. He has some speed to him but really has great awareness and great quickness to him and ability to play the ball," said secondary coach Kevin Coyle.
Lindsey's impact isn't isolated to defense. He returned 42 punts for an average of 5.3 yards and Lewis said he'd have an opportunity to jump in as a punt returner.
Much like Lindsey, Finley produced quality numbers over his career. In his senior season he rushed for 1,218 yards at 6.2 yards a rush. In Baylor's 47-42 win against Kansas State he carried 26 times for 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Finley's not as much a between-the-tackles back, rather a versatile type that can break a long run with a gain of at least 38 yards in five of the final six games of the regular season.
"He really has been productive," Lewis said. "He's got the ability to catch and run with the ball. Really what we were looking for was a guy that would show some versatility and abilities out of the backfield that we thought would be a good complement in our offense going forward."
