Fourth-round pick is Mich. St. DT Peko

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals used their fourth-round pick, No. 123, on Michigan State defensive tackle Domata Peko. Three of the team's first four draft picks are defensive players.

Peko is known for his size and big frame at almost 6 feet, 3 inches, 307 pounds. He is quick with good speed for a man his size. He also has shown flashes of big-play ability and speed in rushing the passer.

"He doesn't have a lot of bad habits because he hasn't played a lot of football," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said.

Peko, born and reared in American Samoa, is a friend of Bengals defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene -- also a Samoan.

Peko, who played in 11 games, all starts last season for the Spartans, had 53 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and one sack. One of the fumbles he returned 74 yards for a touchdown against Michigan.

"At the end, a running back dove at my legs, and I had to jump over him," Peko said.

Jay Hayes, Bengals defensive line coach, said Peko is "very athletic, has a great motor, intelligent. He has a lot of football ahead of him. The more he played (at Michigan State), the better he got."