Central Michigan center is fourth pick

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals selected Central Michigan center Eric Ghiaciuc in the fourth round early this afternoon with the 119th overall.

Ghiacuic started 35 consecutive games for the Mid-American Conference team. He is 6-feet-4, 302 pounds and is noted for his good size and movement skills. Scouts also like his intelligencec, work ethic and character. He had an impressive workout at the combine in February but is a question mark because he has not faced top competition.

The Bengals want to groom Chiaciuc as a replacement to Rich Braham. Braham remains unsigned but is expected to come back for at least one more season as the starter.

The Bengals' next pick, their fifth-rounder, is No. 153 overall.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com