Cincinnati Bengals

Overview

The Bengals surprised a lot of folks by going from laughing stock (4-11-1) to winning the NFC North with a 10-6 record this season.  On the surface it would appear they did it with a lot of smoke and mirrors as Carson Palmer had a so-so year and they only outscored opponents by a total of 14 points.  The Bengals currently own the 21st pick in the draft.

Assets

Quarterback Carson Palmer is still a good quarterback, but, statistically speaking, he had his worst year since his rookie season.  Before his knee and arm injuries he was a rising star in the league.  One wonders if his numbers are a result of his injuries or simply losing key weapons in the passing game like Chris Henry and T. J. Houshmandzadeh.

Running back Cedric Benson had the best season of his career notching 300 carries and 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.  Prior to going down to injury Benson was leading the league in rushing and posted at least 100 yards in six of the 13 games he played in.

The team is also high on backup running back Bernard Scott who averaged 4.3 yards per carry in Benson’s stead before being nipped by the injury bug himself.

Chad Ochocinco had a big bounce back year after being overwhelmingly mediocre in 2008.  His numbers were slightly off compared to his peak years prior to ‘08 but he did still catch 72 balls for over 1,000 yards.  He is still a quality receiver and just needs some help from others in the passing game.

The offensive line was solid and started to come together towards the end of the season.

Antwan Odom was amongst the league leaders in sacks prior to going down to injury in week six.

The Bengals have one of the best corner duos in the league in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall and there are those who will argue that Hall deserved a Pro Bowl nod.

Linebacker is becoming a strength of this team with Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers rank as two of the best young linebackers in the game.

Liabilities/Needs

The teams biggest need on offense is adding a receiver to compliment Ochocinco, preferably someone who will stretch the field.  The team really missed having T. J. Housmandzadeh lining up opposite of Ocho last season.

The offensive line could use some added depth at the guard position.

The tight end position was a black hole of injuries last season with J. P. Foschi leading the corps with 27 receptions.

Defensively they need a pass rusher to compliment Odom who had 8 sacks in six games prior to getting hurt.  Robert Geathers has never lived up to the contract he got after registering 10.5 sacks in 2006.  In fact he has just 9.5 sacks in the three seasons since.

They could also use a play maker at defensive tackle.  Someone who can blow up running plays in the backfield from time-to-time.

Their safeties are serviceable but neither is a dynamic play-maker back there.

Bottom Line

It seems unlikely they will go with a WR unless they move up in the draft to do so.  Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant is the only receiver considered worthy of going in the top 25 of the draft right now and he is likely to be gone by the time the Bengals pick rolls around.

Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham is targeted to go somewhere in the 20s and would be a good addition to the Bengals passing game.  A versatile tight end whom teams have to pay attention to would open up routes over the middle for a guy like Ochocinco.

Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams is a guy on the rise and would give the Bengals a dynamic play-maker in the middle of the defensive line.

Clemson pass rusher Ricky Sapp could be another possibility as well but 21 could be a bit of a reach unless Sapp works out well and shows himself worthy of going that high.

Damian Williams (USC), Eric Decker (Minnesota), or Jordan Shipley (Texas) are potential second round receivers the Bengals could target with the 54th pick.

Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez could be a possible second round target as well if the Bengals pass on Gresham and do not see any receivers they like at 54.

South Florida safety Nate Allen is someone the Bengals could look at to upgrade the safety position.

Look for the Bengals to target an interior lineman like Jon Asamoah (Illinois) or Mike Johnson (Alabama) in the third round.