The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a good season but a disappointing post season run. They have gone to the playoffs in the last three years which seems like great news but failed to get past the first round all three of those years. The Bengals can use the draft to help keep their stand at the top of their division. Their defense fought itself to be better known throughout the league but will suffer the loss of their defensive coordinator. The offense this year needs to balance out with the powerful presence of the defense and will have to try and stamp an identity around the other teams. This year they will have nine draft picks but most of the extra picks they have are towards the end of the draft which tends to fill out for depth more than star power.
Draft Needs: OL, DL, OLB, CB
Offensive Lineman: To be more specific the Bengals may want to start looking for a starting left tackle. Last season they seemed to have that problem solved with Anthony Collins. He started the last five games and helped the team win four out of five of them. Then free agency happened and he was signed away to start somewhere else. They may be able to the get Andrew Whitworth to start at his spot but may want to draft someone to help out solidifying this offensive line and not necessarily fill in the void of Collins leaving but soften the blow a little. They did have some free agent signings but drafting someone in the mid rounds will add some youth towards this line.
Defensive Lineman: The Bengals had a huge loss this offseason losing starting defensive end Micheal Johnson and may want to add some to startup competition for his starting position and also gain depth at the position. While the Bengals may have defensive ends on their roster both of them did not have the impact that Johnson had on the defense and the new defensive coordinator will not be handing out jobs plainly based on stats. They might want to consider the 2nd round draft pick to pick up someone.
Outside Linebacker: The Bengals might have cut James Harrison but will be missing someone to replace his position on the defense. They really don’t have anybody else who they might feel can fill the hole. Losing starters is a tough for a defense who is really flourishing and they might want to see if any of these youngsters have what it takes to help fill the void. They should definitely use their first rounder to pick up someone they feel who can step up to the plate but they may not see someone who will be worth that pick and might be patient and see if someone slides down in the first round or pick someone up in the second round.
Cornerback: The Bengals aren’t in a huge need for this position but may be looking to add some youth to this aging group. With the depth of this draft, the Bengals may have the perfect opportunity to do so this year and not only add a body to the roster but add someone who might have the potential to pair up with Dre Kirkpatrick. The mid-round picks might be somewhere they may be able to steal someone with starting potential.
