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NFL Draft: Tracking Undrafted Cincinnati Bearcats

Two Bearcats heard their names called during the 2016 NFL Draft, but a number of others will still get a shot to make an NFL roster.

By Blaine Huber
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati hadn't had a player drafted in the NFL Draft since Travis Kelce in 2013, but two Bearcats had their names called Saturday on the third day of the 2016 NFL Draft. Offensive lineman Parker Ehinger was the first off the board with the Kansas City Chiefs taking him with the 105th pick in the draft. Wide receiver Chris Moore went off the board shortly after to the Baltimore Ravens with the 107th selection. Both picks fell in the fourth round.

Both players figure to be in good shape to make their respective teams as mid-round picks, but they aren't the only former Bearcats who are clawing for spots on NFL rosters. Between undrafted free agent signings and rookie mini-camp tryouts, seven other Cincinnati alum have a chance to make rosters.

Drafted

OL Parker Ehinger (6'6", 310 pounds)

Drafted by: Kansas City Chiefs (Round 4, Pick 105)

Ehinger is in a great situation with the Chiefs, who are looking for depth along their offensive line. His big frame, experience and versatility will benefit him.

WR Chris Moore (6'1", 206 pounds)

Drafted by: Baltimore Ravens (Round 4, Pick 107)

Moore also is stepping into a great situation as a part of Baltimore's impressive fourth round selections. Moore is a big-play threat that should be maximized with Joe Flacco's ability to throw the deep ball.

Undrafted Free Agents

WR Mekale McKay (6'4", 207 pounds)

Signed by: Indianapolis Colts

McKay is a big, strong receiver who made a number of big plays as a Bearcat. He should get a chance to make the Colts roster or practice squad. T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and last year's first round pick Phillip Dorsett headline the receiver depth in Indy.

WR Johnny Holton (6'1", 190 pounds)

Signed by: Oakland Raiders

Holton is a speedy receiver who lacked the production to crack into the later rounds of the draft, but could fit a spot on Oakland's roster. The Raiders are relatively thin at receiver at this moment, particularly behind starters Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Holton could secure a spot by showing some return ability.

Tryouts

WR Shaq Washington (5'9", 179 pounds)

Tryout with: San Diego Chargers

Cincinnati's career receptions record holder, with 238 career catches, is heading to San Diego for a tryout during their rookie mini camp. The diminutive slot receiver has a tall task with the Chargers flush at wide receiver, but Washington has been the most consistent receiver for the Bearcats over his career, so he is more than capable of carving out a place in the organization.

DE Silverberry Mouhon (6'3", 255 pounds)

Tryout with: Cincinnati Bengals

Mouhon is getting a shot with the hometown team by getting a tryout with the Bengals at their rookie minicamp. Mouhon didn't have the eye-popping statistics last season, but does have a chance to latch on with the Bengals as a practice squad player. Much of Mouhon's disruptive ability was swallowed up with the Bearcats defensive struggles last season, so he is one to watch.

S Leviticus Payne (5'9", 193 pounds)

Tryout with: Indianapolis Colts

Payne has been Cincinnati's swiss army knife over his career with the Bearcats and will now try to show that versatility off to the Colts during their rookie minicamp. Indianapolis' defense has been soft over the years and could use a playmaker like Payne, who has played nickel linebacker, corner and safety over his time with the Bearcats.

OL Chad West (6'6", 295 pounds)

Tryout with: Seattle Seahawks

West was a part of Cincinnati's fifth-ranked offense nationally that averaged 559.4 yards per game this past season and 373.1 passing yards per game, good enough for fourth nationally. Seattle is a little light at offensive guard, which could open the door for West to impress during Seattle's rookie minicamp and at least catch-on with the practice squad.

LS Kirk Willis (6'2", 250 pounds)

Tryouts with: Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars

Willis was one of Cincinnati's team captains this past season and has been a consistent long snapper throughout his Cincinnati career. He will look to impress both the Browns and the Jaguars with tryouts, hoping to catch-on with either team as the, much underappreciated, long snapper.

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