Even when the Bengals drafted Chris Perry 26th overall in 2004, there were skeptics. In addition to Kevin Jones still being on the board (he was rated higher coming out of college, although his NFL career hasn't been particularly noteworthy), there were concerns about Perry's durability and whether he could be an every-down NFL running back. (Not to mention he was from the Big-10, which is only slightly less conspicuous that wearing an "I'm a bona fide bust!" hat on stage at Radio City Music Hall after hearing the commissioner call your name.)
As it turned out, both were a problem. He played in just two games as a rookie, and mustered nine starts over four seasons, amassing 606 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. And today, the Bengals released him.
Frankly, I'm surprised it took this long; when the club drafted Auburn back Kenny Irons in the second round of the '06 draft, Perry's days in Cincinnati appeared numbered. Irons blew out his knee in his very first preseason game, his NFL career was over 15 seconds after it started, and Perry avoided the Turk.
Last fall, the Bengals signed Cedric Benson, who was pleasantly surprising. They re-upped him this offseason and that, coupled with Perry's ineffectiveness, was enough for the front office to finally cut bait. The team took a sixth-round flier on Bernard Scott, potentially one of the most explosive backs in the draft who also has had extensive off-field issues (this time will be different), which may have played a role in the front office's decision to part ways with Perry.
