DaytonDailyNews.com

With the NFL draft 19 days away, the Cincinnati Bengals are beginning to narrow down their choices of potential prospects as possible draft day selections. University of Georgia redshirt sophomore sensation Knowshon Moreno is a player long believed to be high on the team's list.

That being said Moreno will be in Cincinnati to meet with the organization today, April 6.

The Bengals own the sixth overall pick in the draft and wouldn't be opposed to trading down to stockpile draft picks. But the team could consider using their first round selection on Moreno in either scenario.

Recent reports have Moreno's stock taking a nosedive due to some less than impressive 40-times which he ran at the Combine and Pro day. Despite his efforts, there are a handful of teams picking in the Top 20 who covet the dynamic runner.

Speed no problem

The Denver Broncos, who own the No. 12 and 18 overall picks, are said to be very high on Moreno. He has already visited Denver.

Although Moreno's speed has come under scrutiny lately, Georgia Bulldogs running backs coach, Tony Ball, is a firm believer in the player's ability.

"Knowshon's limited top end speed was evident since his arrival at Georgia," Ball said in a recent phone interview. "But what he lacks in speed, he more than makes up for in other areas.

"His ability to make people miss is outstanding. If he's in a phone booth he can make you miss. With that ability, explosiveness, and the way he runs the ball and finishes runs is impeccable. If he had that top end speed I think he would be a Top 5 guy. But what he does have is game speed."

Despite not having blazing speed, Moreno was still a productive and a major force running the ball in an extremely tough SEC conference.

Bright future

Moreno rushed for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. He had an addition 392 yards and two touchdowns receiving. He was a finalist for the 2008 Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation's top collegiate running back. Iowa's Shonn Greene was the 2008 recipient.

Ball said he can see Moreno being an All-Pro back in the league and hope he will leave his mark once his career is over.

The coach reminded me that great players such as Walter Peyton and Emmitt Smith were not known for having great speed and look what they accomplished.

He obviously holds the running back in high regard.

Big C's

The 5-foot-11, 210 pound Moreno is a complete running back. He may be best described as a Marshall Faulk type player.

Moreno is an explosively quick back with tremendous change-of-direction, balance and power. He shows patience to be an effective inside runner as well as the ability to run on the perimeter. He possesses natural pass catching skills and can split out as a receiver making him an every down back. The running back also does a nice job pass blocking.

Moreno played in pro style offense at Georgia and should be able to learn a system fairly quick. He shows great preparation and is a very charismatic and good natured.

Coach Ball added that Moreno is an energetic, inspirational and confident player in the huddle.

Carlos "Big C" Holmes covers the NFL for the Dayton Daily News.

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