Top 5 Bengals rookies to make an impact

The Bengals welcomed ten new prospects onto their NFL roster by way of April's draft at least for the duration of training camp, when they will have to earn the opportunity to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Bengals also added a number of undrafted free agents hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year's star UDFA, Vontaze Burfict. Some of these college standouts are more well known than others based on their college programs and production, but each will be given the same shot at the NFL. Here are the top 5 players that the Bengals will have great expectations for right off the bat.

5. Cobi Hamilton-Don't be surprised if Hamilton makes the roster and climbs up the ladder to surpass Marvin Jones for playing time. Hamilton was a standout his senior season at Arkansas where he enjoyed a breakout year by catching ninety passes for 1335 yards and five touchdowns. Hamilton has a large stature for a wide receiver with a 6'2, 205 pound frame, perfect for running routes against taller cornerbacks in the AFC North like Ike Taylor and Jimmy Smith. The twenty-two year old performed well in rookie minicamp and mandatory minicamp with some nice intermediate routes. If he can develop a chemistry with Andy Dalton, Hamilton will surely be a factor in the 2013 Bengals offense in the slot and on the outside.

4. Tanner Hawkinson-The Bengals set their sights on insurance and depth for the roster in the later rounds of the draft, and fifth round pick Tanner Hawkinson fits the bill perfectly. Bengals fans were slightly confused when the team selected Hawkinson because of his obscurity at the college level, but Hawkinson is extremely underrated and a smart pick by Cincinnati. Hawkinson holds the record for games started and consecutive games started for Kansas after he played both left and right tackle from 2010-12 on the Jayhawks. He also was an All-Big 12 second-teamer last year. Paul Alexander has raved about Hawkinson's versatility on the offensive line. The Bengals have moved him around the line at center, guard, and his natural tackle position, and if someone goes down in the starting lineup on the offensive line, Hawkinson could be the first substitute. Hawkinson is a valuable prospect who should already be a serviceable player at the NFL level. I definitely see him making the 53-man roster this season as a backup at every position on the line. If someone goes down, Hawkinson will likely get the call as the top fill-in.

3. Tyler Eifert-Eifert was the Bengals' top selection at pick number twenty-one, and there are big plans for the tight end out of Notre Dame starting this season. The Bengals already have an established Pro Bowl tight end in Jermaine Gresham, so there is no need to rush the progression of Eifert. However, the possibility of double tight end sets with two deadly pass catchers is very appealing to play caller Jay Gruden. Eifert will struggle in his first year with blocking defensive ends at the professional level, but his playmaking ability is currently better than any player on the roster besides AJ Green. The 6'6 Eifert won the Mackey Award for the top tight end in the country last season with Notre Dame where he caught fifty passes for 685 yards and four touchdowns. Eifert will be expected to play right away based on his status in the draft and ability to create mismatches on the field. The Bengals are certainly hoping he can do more than just be a pass catcher like Chase Coffman coming out of Missouri in 2009.

2. Shawn Williams-Williams will be pressed to play right away as a part of the top ten defense that remains largely in tact this season for the Bengals. Williams is expected to take over for Chris Crocker after he commanded the huddle for SEC runner-up Georgia. Williams is a hard hitter who is not afraid of being a vocal leader, which is just what the Bengals need to replace Crocker. It won't be an easy battle to earn the starting strong safety spot for Williams. He will have to beat out George Iloka for a spot on the elite eleven in the lineup. Williams is rock solid in the run defense category and wrapping up ball carriers as he was second on the team in tackles at Georgia with 98. The only question about his play is his pass coverage, which Williams will look to improve on in training camp with tutoring from secondary coach Mark Carrier. At the very least, Williams will be a key contributor on special teams in 2013.

1. Giovani Bernard-Based on reports from the Bengals coaches, including Bernard's position coach Hue Jackson, the rookie running back is a polished player ready for the challenges of the NFL. Bernard could easily be the NFL's next breakout running back after Alfred Morris and Doug Martin filled that role last year. Bernard will line up at receiver and in the backfield catching passes and running the ball through the tackles. His resume is top notch from his time at North Carolina where he became one of the most explosive backs in the country. Bernard is earning comparisons to Ray Rice because of his all around game and 5'9, 210 pound body. I could see Bernard taking Benjarvus Green-Ellis' starting position by the time the season starts because of the impression he has left on the coaches. If Bernard can come anywhere close to his production at UNC last season of over 1,700 total yards and seventeen touchdowns, he will immediately become a factor in the MVP race.