Former TCU quarterback Andy Dalton was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as the third player taken in the second round, and 35th overall, of the 2011 National Football League draft Friday in New York City.
Dalton is the highest selection from TCU on the offensive side of the ball since tailback LaDainian Tomlinson was taken fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2001.
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What he brings: Dalton doesn't excel in any one area but he is a smart decision-maker and displays tremendous poise in pressure-cooker situations. We like his quick release, timing and accuracy, which help make up for his average arm strength. He's a good leader and played his best in the biggest games.
How he fits: With Carson Palmer continuing to be very firm in his decision to not play for the Bengals, they are left with his brother Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour, and that's not good enough. Dalton is a guy the Bengals can build around, and he will fit in very well in Jay Gruden's West Coast offense. The Bengals will emphasize the power run game, which could make it a little easier on Dalton, who will likely play immediately, and he has to love his new target, A.J. Green.
- ESPN.com draft analysis
"He's a West Coast-offense quarterback who can move and throw on the run accurately ... he's a winner, he's accurate and he can throw on the run. To me that's why he's going to go late first, early second round and be the best of that next group."
- Mel Kiper, ESPN.com
"I have been really impressed with Andy Dalton ever since I saw him throw the ball last summer at the Manning passing academy. I believe he goes in the first half of the second round. And there are a number of teams with QB needs between 1 and 16. He's a West Coast QB with a good arm. Very good accuracy. And deceptive athletic skills. He reminds me a lot of Kevin Kolb when he came out of Houston."
- Mike Mayock, NFL.com
Dalton is one of the few college quarterbacks lucky enough to play on a team participating in four bowl games during their career. The fact he has won three Most Valuable Player awards in those four contests, however, suggests that his success comes more from hard work than good fortune. His leadership and work ethic also allowed him to break school records of TCU quarterbacks including Davey O'Brien and "Slingin'" Sammy Baugh.
As a redshirt freshman, Dalton earned the Texas Bowl MVP in the team's win over Houston (21-for-30, 249 yards, touchdown) after an up-and-down season (completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,459 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions).
He earned MVP recognition again in the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl (22-for-35, 197 yards, 74 rushing yards) following an honorable mention All-Mountain West sophomore campaign (59.3 percent, 2,242 yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs). And though Dalton did not help the Frogs pull out a win against Boise State in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl, his junior year play (61.6 percent, 2,756, 23, 8) earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, as well as some All-American accolades.
Dalton saved his best for TCU's undefeated 2010 squad (66.1 percent, 2,857 yards, 27 TDs, 6 INTs), capping off his outstanding career with yet another MVP performance (15-for-23, 219 yards, TD) in TCU's first Rose Bowl win over a strong Wisconsin squad.
He also totaled 1,611 rushing yards and 22 scores on the ground in his four years as a starter.
- CBSSports.com/NFLDraftScout.com Overview
Full Bio
Looking at the massive Cannon, it might be surprising to hear teammates identify him as one of the best athletes on the team. He is quite light on his feet for a man his size, a combination of size and athleticism that makes him a coveted prospect among NFL scouts. 
For those who follow TCU football, Kerley's impressive career was no surprise. In 2007, the mighty-mite receiver became the only Horned Frogs true freshman to earn any offensive playing time, eventually notching his first two multi-catch performances in the final two games of the season. From there, his heady play and uncanny shiftiness produced more than a few highlights. 
