[Stardust]

For the third straight year the Bengals have taken someone from Georgia in the fourth round. Two years ago it was DT Geno Atkins, last year OG Clint Boling and now it is TE Orson Charles.

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The Bengals now have six former Bulldogs on the roster, joining WR A.J. Green, Boling, Atkins, DE Robert Geathers and OT Dennis Roland.

Last season Charles started all 14 games, ranking third on the Bulldogs with a career-high 45 receptions for 574 yards and five touchdowns. He was a finalist for the John Mackey Award. For his career he started 29 games in three seasons and caught 94 passes for 1,370 yards (14.57 yards per catch) and 10 touchdowns. He also blocked a punt against Vanderbilt.

There was one red flag during the draft process though. Charles was charged with a DUI on March 9 and the matter is still pending. Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes did acknowledge that there was a discussion about that in the draft room but that there were no other red flags until that.

“I had got a couple calls here and there as far as what happened,” Charles said. “I just elaborated to them that it was a one-time mistake and that it won’t happen again. That might have been the worst thing to happen in my life. Just to explain to my (11-year old) brother what I did and don’t follow in my footsteps and tell my mom I was sorry. I just put my family in a bind.”

Charles joins what is a pretty stocked position and one that was thought not to be much of a need. Besides Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals re-signed Donald Lee and also have Colin Cochart.

Said Hayes: “Not only does he pop out as a receiver, but he locks on people blocking. This guy, he’s over the top on effort.”