Cincinnati Bengals Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Defensive Line
While Domato Peko is playing well enough to earn more opportunities at defensive tackle, John Thornton has failed to produce as the team had hoped he would. The Bengals allowed nearly 120 rushing yards per game last season and a big reason why was the way in which the tackles were easily blocked out of plays, opening sizable holes for opponents to run through. Antwan Odom was signed on to improve the end position, but the draft is where the team will look to find a tackle that can take over at times and plug those rushing holes that hurt the unit so badly last season. Sedrick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey are two strong possibilities for the Bengals with their first-round selection.

Linebacker
The linebacker position is fairly young and somewhat talented, but still lacking the right talent at in certain areas and the unit is still developing. Cincinnati has to consider a linebacker option in the draft to free up others to play at their most effective linebacker spot. Odell Thurman’s status will also factor into the way that the team treats the linebacker position at the draft. Thurman’s presence would allow the Bengals to be a little less concerned about the position.

Cornerback
At corner, Deltha O’Neal will not likely be pursued to re-sign after this coming season, and while Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall may be the starting combination, the team still needs to find a player that can step in for O’Neal when the time comes to do so, or who can provide additional depth behind the top two. A mid-round pick could go towards answering this need.

Wide Receiver
Offensively, the Bengals have weapons, but the wide receiver position has been one of turmoil. Chad Johnson wants out of Cincinnati, it seems, which would create a hole at the position. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is a quality receiver who might be number one material, but Chris Henry can’t seem to stay out of trouble, and after him on the depth chart there are injury concerns with Antonio Chatman. The team would find extra benefit in bringing in a player who can also provide a lift on special teams as a returner. Receiver Glenn Holt can’t hold onto the ball, and Chatman’s injury problems have stunted the Bengals return game at times.