Round 7: FB Marcus Parker
Pick: Eighth (202nd overall)
School: Virginia Tech
Size: 5-foot-9, 244 pounds
Position: Fullback
History: Was a tailback in high school, once gaining 366 yards in a single game. Moved to fullback in college but played some tailback as a junior. Averaged 5.6 yards a carry in 37 games for Hokies. 1997: Started six games at fullback, amassing 363 yards and four touchdowns on 67 carries (5.4 average). Also demonstrated receiving ability, catching 20 passes for 212 yards. Opened season with 101 yards on six carries against Rutgers.
Projection: Bengals lack a true backup for Brian Milne and hope Parker can be the man. But, said running backs coach Jim Anderson, "He's going to have to get himself accustomed to being more of a full-time blocker." The Bengals also relished the thought of the havoc Parker could cause on special-teams coverage units with his size. "He's just like a little boxcar," Anderson said. "But he's not carrying a caboose."
by Associated Press
Bengals draft
Bengals draft for speed
Brown says no Moss
Picks will have to win jobs
Some impact, some insurance
1. Takeo Spikes,
LB, Auburn
1a. Brian Simmons,
LB, N.Carolina
2. Artrell Hawkins,
CB, Cincinnati
3. Steve Foley,
LB, NE Louisiana
3a. Mike Goff,
G, Iowa
4. Glen Steele,
DE, Michigan
6. Jason Tucker,
WR, TCU
7. Marcus Parker,
RB, Va. Tech
7a. Damian Vaughn,
TE, Miami U.
Sullivan
Daugherty
Five Bearcats drafted
Fabini, Ransom, Monroe taken on second day
Jackson taken by Dolphins