Kashif Moore Lands with Bengals: Report

It was no surprise when the Chargers selected former UConn defensive lineman Kendall Reyes in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Conventional wisdom had Reyes going no later than Round 2 and as early as Round 1.

What was a surprise: 253 names were announced during the three-day draft event in New York City and not once was wide receiver Kashif Moore's name called. After an unspectacular senior season in an Huskies offense that featured a first-year starting quarterback, Moore impressed at February's NFL Combine and the UConn Pro Day, so much so that there were discussions that he may sneak into the third round.

Instead he joined the myriad other players looking for a chance to make an NFL team as undrafted free agents. It's not an insurmountable task; Arian Foster, Willie Parker and Kurt Warner are all examples.

Moore, it seems, will get that opportunity. While it's not official, the former UConn wideout has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Cincinnati.com, the team won't officially announce its free-agent signings until the start of minicamp on May 11.

The Bengals selected WR A.J. Green in the first round of the 2011 draft, but wanted to add depth to the position this offseason. They drafted Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) and Marvin Jones (California). The former is a possession receiver but the later is a lot like Moore in that Jones suffered from inconsistent quarterback play in college and he impressed scouts during the pre-draft workouts.

At the end of the day, Moore's future will come down to how he plays. As legendary coach Bill Walsh used to say, it's not where we draft a player, it's whether he can play. And if Moore shows that he belongs, he'll earn a roster spot.

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