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Cincinnati Bengals 2008 NFL Draft Needs
Last year had to be a tough one if you are a Bengals fan, the team collapsed at the end of the 2006 season to miss the playoffs by one game. They looked like a team that was just about to get things rolling, and then they went 7-9 in 2007 and finished behind the Cleveland Browns for 3rd in the AFC North. To add to the struggles the team best play maker in Chad Johnson doesn’t sound like he wants to play for the Bengals anymore. This would be a huge hit to a team that has to score to win games. The Bengals already lost Chris Henry so they can’t afford to lose another big receiver. The team really hasn’t done much in the offseason to look like 2008 will be any different, as they have only added one solid player to defense in DE Antwan Odom. This signing is nowhere near the talent they lost when DE Justin Smith signed with the 49ers. So with the 9th pick in the draft picking a for sure talent is a must. Here is a look at our top 5 needs that face the Bengals in this year’s draft.
1. Defensive Tackle
If this team wants to make another playoff run they have to get better on defense. And while you won’t hear his name much picking a stud defensive tackle could do wonders for your overall defense. While its highly unlikely LSU’s Glen Dorsey will fall out of the top 5, there is a good chance that USC Sedrick Ellis will still be on the board at #9.
2. Free Safety
It should be mostly defense on Bengals draft day, and the team needs to fill their hole at the safety spot in the draft. The team loss last years starter Madieu Williams in free agency, and really don’t have a solid backup on the team. The team could draft off need with their first pick, and take Miami’s FS Kenny Phillips, if the tackles are off the board.
3. Cornerback
The team doesn’t have a standout corner that can shut down the other teams best receiver, in fact they don’t have much of a secondary at all, but things could change if they find one in the draft. And its just as likely that the team might take a corner with their first pick, and it could be Troy State’s Leodis McKelvin or Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
4. Wide Receiver
This really hurts to have to worry about this position in this year’s draft, but with just the chance of Chad Johnson leaving means you better have a backup plan incase he does. With the defense as bad as it is, this probably won’t be taken care of till late in the draft. So look for the Bengals to look to the 4th or 5th round on a guy like California’s Lavelle Hawkins.
5. Linebacker
The team is in a big time need of a solid strongside linebacker. The team was killed by injuries last season, and any pick on a linebacker would be a good pick. The ideal situation would be seeing the team feel that they can squeeze in a 2nd round pick on Miami’s OLB Tavares Gooden, and still find a way to address the other needs throughout the draft.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.
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