The Cincinnati Bengals signed fourth-round selection Ryan Finley, Thursday, the team announced. Finley was one of three fourth-round picks for the Bengals in this year's NFL Draft.
Finley (6-foot-4, 213) began his college career at Boise State (2013-15), before graduating and transferring to N.C. State for his final three seasons (’16-18) of eligibility. He left N.C. State with the top career completion percentage (.645) in school history, and despite playing there only three seasons, his 18 career 300-yard passing games and 10,505 passing yards both rank second in school history and third in ACC history.
With plenty of questions surrounding the Bengals' offense under new coach Zac Taylor, there is plenty of opportunity for Finley to carve out a role for himself.
Finley and holdover Jeff Driskel are the only options currently behind starter Andy Dalton. Driskel started a handful of games last year after Dalton went down with an injury, but was often limited in what he was allowed to do and inconsistent in his production. The backup spot looks to be wide open.
According to reports, Finley has had an up-and-down start to OTAs. ESPN’s Katherine Terrell pointed out at Wednesday's practice:
“Ryan Finley hasn’t impressed so far. Granted, it’s early and he’s getting third string snaps, but today overthrew his WR and was picked off on one play. Does make you wonder if they keep 3 QBs this year though if this is what training camp looks like.”
He did bounce back, though, to finish the practice strong.
The conversation about three quarterbacks may be a bit premature, but with so much youth and inexperience behind Dalton, it may be one worth having.
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