Rookie Profile: How does Devwah Whaley fit with the Bengals?

The Bengals signed Arkansas running Devwah Whaley as an undrafted free agent

The Bengals signed 10 college free agents after the draft, including Arkansas running back Devwah Whaley. 

The 22-year-old finished with 1,807 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in four seasons. 

Whaley was one of the top running backs in the country coming out of high school. He was a four-star recruit and a top 70 overall prospect. He was also on the Under Armour All-American team. 

His college career got off to a promising start. Whaley played in all 13 games as a true freshman, rushing for 602 yards on 5.5 yards-per-carry and three touchdowns. He added six receptions for 139 more yards. 

Whaley's freshman numbers were the best of his career. He started 11 games as a sophomore, but he averaged 4.4 yards-per-carry on 127 attempts and finished with 559 rushing yards. He began the 2018 season as a starter, but he only appeared in seven games due to injuries. 

He played in all 12 contests as a senior and finished second on the team in rushing with 278 yards on 69 attempts. 

The Bengals took a chance on Rodney Anderson last year in the sixth-round. He's a guy that has all of the talent you want in a running back, but injuries derailed his college career. 

Whaley's story is a bit different, but he does have talent. Arkansas had turnover on the coaching staff during Whaley's collegiate career. They also struggled as a team. The Razorbacks haven't made a bowl game since 2016 — Whaley's freshman season.

Making the final roster is going to be a tall task for the 5-10, 221 pounder. Whaley is seventh on the unofficial depth chart entering the season. Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard and Trayveon Williams are all expected to make the final 53-man roster. Samaje Perine, Jacques Patrick and Anderson all have question marks, but they also have experience in the pros. 

Whaley is a talented player, but like most undrafted free agents, he's going to have to earn his keep on special teams. 

A practice squad spot isn't out of the question for Whaley, but it's going to be an uphill battle for the former Razorback.