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The Cincinnati Bengals continued their roster building efforts after the NFL Draft, adding several intriguing undrafted free agents (UDFA). Among those new faces is Quali Conley, a running back from Arizona State University. While he wasn't selected in the draft, Conley brings a unique skill set and potential that the Bengals coaching staff hope to develop. This profile takes a closer look at Conley's background, strengths, and what he might bring to the Bengals' running back room.

Conley's College Career: A Late Bloomer

Conley's journey to becoming a potential NFL prospect wasn't a straight line. He began his college career at Western Michigan University, but transferred to Arizona State after a season. While his production wasn't consistently stellar early on, Conley demonstrated steady improvement. His senior year (2023) saw him emerge as the Wildcats' leading rusher, showcasing his ability to handle a significant workload. He rushed for 874 yards and 9 touchdowns on 186 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. This late-career surge significantly boosted his draft stock, even if it wasn't enough to earn him a selection.

Strengths: Versatility and Power

What stands out about Conley is his versatility. He's not just a power runner; he displays surprising agility and elusiveness for a player listed around 5’11” and 215 pounds. He possesses good vision, allowing him to find running lanes and make quick decisions. Beyond his rushing ability, Conley is also a capable receiver out of the backfield. He caught 23 passes for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns last season, demonstrating his hands and willingness to contribute in the passing game. This ability to line up in different formations and execute various roles is a valuable asset for any running back in the modern NFL.

Areas for Improvement: Pass Protection and Consistency

Like many UDFA running backs, Conley has areas where he needs to improve. Pass protection is a significant focus. He'll need to quickly learn the Bengals' blocking schemes and demonstrate an ability to pick up blitzing linebackers. Another area is consistency. While his senior year was impressive, he needs to prove he can maintain that level of performance throughout an entire NFL season. The Bengals' coaching staff will undoubtedly work with him on these areas during minicamp and training camp.

Bengals Opportunity: A Depth Piece with Upside

The Bengals’ running back situation is currently led by Joe Mixon. However, the team has been actively seeking depth behind him. Conley enters the mix as a relatively raw talent with considerable upside. He'll compete with other running backs for a spot on the 53-man roster, and potentially a role on the practice squad. If he can quickly learn the playbook, improve his pass protection, and showcase his versatility, Conley could become a valuable contributor for the Bengals. His ability to contribute as a receiver will be particularly valuable in Cincinnati’s passing-heavy offense.

Conclusion: A Worthwhile Gamble

Signing Quali Conley was a low-risk, high-reward move for the Cincinnati Bengals. He's a talented running back with a compelling story and the potential to surprise. While the odds are stacked against UDFA players making a significant impact, Conley's skill set and work ethic could allow him to defy those odds and carve out a role for himself in the Bengals' offense. Keep an eye on him during minicamp – he’s a name worth remembering.