If the Bengals desired depth at wide receiver weren't reason enough for California wide receiver Marvin Jones to believe he would be selected with Cincinnati's fifth-round pick, his middle name certainly was.
That's right. Marvin Lewis Jones will join Marvin Lewis's Bengals.
Of course, Cincinnati views the 6-2, 199-pound Jones as much more than a name filling the draft board in the late rounds. Following a career where Jones racked up 2,260 yards in 43 games, including 846 yards and three touchdowns his senior season, his pedigree suggests he could be a late-round steal.
"He's one of the guys I had highlighted in the receiver group," said Lewis, who also thinks Jones can assist with punt returns, where he brought back 14 kicks last season, including a 37-yarder against USC. "He's a guy with some size and has great speed, some versatility. He's played inside and outside at Cal."
Jones fit the size and strength theme that defined this weekend as he tied for most bench reps (22) among the receivers at the Combine. Being physical at the line and attacking defenders in run blocking wasn't exactly the M.O. of the man who supplied this pick via the Chad Ochocinco trade, but it is an area Jones believes he can make an impact.
"Ever since I picked up a weight I always tried to attack everything," Jones said. "Physicality, that's a part of me I think I have an advantage over my competition. When I'm out there on the field I was going out there knowing that you are stronger than any secondary on the field."
Jones entered the draft being told he was going to be selected at some point in the second round and sweated watching 22 receivers fall off the board before him. In his mind, though, it worked out fortuitously entering a team with a wide-open competition at the receiver spot.
"(The draft) is an emotional roller coaster," Jones said. "I definitely would say that. As the picks went on you kind of have some uncertainty. I landed in a great spot."
