Former Tennessee Vols WR Josh Malone Is Standing Out For Bengals

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Josh Malone was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Josh Malone only had one standout year with the Tennessee Vols, but it was enough to get noticed by NFL teams and end up being selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft.

Malone played three years on Rocky Top and his first two years were modest by most standards.

But the Tennessee native broke out in 2016, catching 50 passes for 972 yards and an impressive 11 touchdowns. His work during his junior year was enough to impress scouts, which led to an easy decision to skip his senior season and declare for the draft.

Malone has plenty to offer the Cincinnati Bengals — he’s big, tall and fast. But he has plenty of competition in Cincy with AJ Green, Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd and John Ross all on the roster as well.

For what it’s worth, however, Malone is having a fantastic training camp.

ESPN recently pointed out that Malone was impressive during a Bengals’ scrimmage.

From ESPN:

"Rookies Joe Mixon and Josh Malone were the highlight of the day, with Malone using his 6-foot-3, 208-pound frame to make several contested catches. Malone said his basketball background in high school helps him."

Here’s the quote from Malone about his basketball background.

"I feel like it comes natural. I have a big frame. I think it was natural because of the basketball background and over the years learning how to use my frame."

Malone will definitely make the Bengals’ roster in 2017, but it’s unclear how much playing time he will see. Talent rises and aside from Green (and LaFell, but he’s a possession receiver, not a stretch the field guy like Malone), there isn’t a lot of proven talent at the wide receiver position on the Bengals’ roster. So Malone definitely has a chance to earn some playing time.

If Malone has a great pre-season, we could see a lot more of him during the regular season.