Team Needs: ARZ I ATL I BAL I BUF I CAR I CHI I CIN I CLE I DAL

DEN I DET I GB I HOU I IND I JAX I KC I MIA I MIN I NO I NE I NYG

NYJ I OAK I PHI I PIT I SD I SF I SEA I STL I TB I TEN I WAS

Picks (11): 6, 38, 70, 98*, 106, 142, 179, 209*, 215, 249*, 252*

*-compensatory picks cannot be traded

Offensive Line – At tackle Stacy Andrews is off to play next to his brother with the Eagles while Levi Jones has trouble staying healthy. Last year’s fourth round pick Anthony Collins is in the mix, but this already thin offensive line gave up 51 sacks last season. If play in the trenches is an indicator of success take note of the Bengals being -34 in the sack department while going 4-11-1. It was by far the biggest disparity in the NFL. Improving the talent at tackle is the first priority and adding a center is close behind because failed starter Eric Ghiaciuc is out.

Defensive End – Losing Justin Smith following the 2007 season was immediately reflected in a dismal sack total (17) and more than that there was no pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The key players on hand have a few years under their belt, but none are making an impact worth talking about. It is somewhat deceiving to look at their overall defensive ranking (#12, 325.5 yards/game) because they were dead last on offense in scoring and yardage. Teams didn’t need to pile up a lot of yards against them to win. Someone capable of sacking the quarterback would be helpful. On the interior their starting tackles Domata Peko and Pat Sims gained some support with the signing of Tank Johnson. If that trio can plug up the rushing lanes it will make it easier for a pass rushing end to thrive.

Running Back – It is ironic to think that former #4 overall pick Cedric Benson is coming off his most productive NFL season. After three disappointing years in Chicago he set new highs in rushes (214) and yards (747). Most of his damage came in December against disinterested opposition. Still, he was given a two year contract and is clearly the team’s best option. Chris Perry pretty much secured his status as a bust by averaging 2.6 yards per carry although on the plus side he did score the first two rushing touchdowns of his career. I’m thinking the team was counting on a little more than 1,080 total yards in 35 games for a player they selected in the first round of the 2004 draft. Most teams have multiple backs to apply pressure on the opposing defense. The Bengals need to secure an impact player to pair with Benson.  They did recently pick up Gary Russell off waivers from Pittsburgh.

Middle Linebacker – Dhani Jones is quite a character. He definitely has a career in television when he hangs up the cleats. At 31 he can certainly still be productive, but no one is going to confuse him with Ray Lewis. Keith Rivers returns to the fold outside after missing half of his rookie season. I chalk this up to a weird curse affecting any linebacker the Bengals pick. They have to keep trying and a dominant man in the middle would go a long way towards making this defense respectable for the first time in a long time.

Tight End – After being signed away from the Colts Ben Utecht was not productive. Reggie Kelly is 32 and nearing the end of an extraordinarily average yet lengthy NFL career. Changes are in the works at the wide receiver position and Carson Palmer returning healthy definitely impacts the passing game. Finding an impact tight end would give Palmer someone to lean on in the red zone. Kelly has 3 touchdown receptions in 6 seasons with the team. Utecht has taken 51 career games to haul in his 3 scores. Considering their bounty of picks they are bound to draft someone who can thrive in scoring range.

Fullback – Their offense has really fallen off the map. It was not long ago the team could score 4 touchdowns without breaking a sweat and lose 35-31. Now they are struggling to keep the chains moving at all. The running game needs a blocking back. Someone who can do the dirty work certainly will be considered late in the draft. This is not a strong crop at the position.

Punt Returner – There are bigger fish to fry for sure, but the Bengals have some picks to work with. Antonio Chatman only gave them 7.5 yards per return on his 21 efforts. On a team dead last in scoring and yardage this could not have come at a worse time. T.J. Houshmandzadeh returned 8 punts and is no longer an option having signed with Seattle. Cornerback Leon Hall was a bit of an experiment (3 returns) but is not exactly Devin Hester. There are certainly athletic players on the roster who might try their hand. However, an experienced punt return threat could be targeted.

Wide Receiver – This only becomes a need if the player currently wearing #85 is in fact traded. He has gone as far as letting former professional and collegiate teammate Houshmandzadeh complain for him on NFL Network. Laveranues Coles (Jets) was added to ostensibly replace the guy with the long name who signed with Seattle, but he is obviously a much different player. Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell were top 100 picks last year who should be allowed time to develop. However, Chris Henry is always a risk to draw a lifetime suspension for doing something off the field. If Chad is dealt Henry’s 220 receiving yards will lead all returning players. Keep an eye on this situation.


Michael Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 6 rounds