The Bengals’ issues on defense have dragged them down for years, and going into the draft, they still have some glaring holes. In fact, veteran beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. sees this being a very defensive-heavy draft, especially at the top. Given that the offense has Pro Bowlers throughout, that shouldn’t be a surprise, of course.
Dehner has taken the Bengals to task for neglecting linebacker recently, despite taking two in last year’s draft. He argued that they placed too much burden on the pair and they lack a veteran leader. Thus far, they haven’t added such a player, and he doesn’t consider another rookie a help.
Another pass rusher in the draft is necessary, too, after the Bengals lost both Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai. While they added Boye Mafe in free agency, they lack another strong option. Last year, they drafted Shemar Stewart in the first round. Throughout his rookie season, however, he showed indications of taking that next step.
Where Dehner sees the biggest issues, however, might be in the secondary. “It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Bengals take defensive backs with two of their first three draft picks, considering the team’s lack of depth at the position”, he wrote. “They also have three extension-eligible starters in the last year of their contracts, some of whom might not be with the team after next season”.
The Bengals currently have DJ Turner and Dax Hill at cornerback, with Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle at safety. They have Jalen Davis as their primary slot receiver, but Dehner believes the Bengals need to draft a challenger for him.
The Bengals hold the 10th pick in the draft, so they will have options. Dehner mentioned Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy as potential options in the first round. Doing so, he argued, would push Hill back into the slot, which might be to the collective’s advantage.
Cincinnati ranked 30th in points allowed and 31st in yardage allowed last season. Despite Joe Burrow missing more than half the season, they still managed to finish 12th in points scored. While Dehner wants the Bengals to re-sign Joe Burrow as his backup, he sees the draft focus on defense. And the secondary is an area of particular interest, not just for this year, but for the future.
He mentioned three starters going into the final year of their contracts. Turner, Hill, and Battle would all be extension candidates this offseason, but will they manage to lock any of them up? Of course, what they decide could be shaped by what they do in the draft. If the Bengals draft a top-10 cornerback, and add a second-round safety, what do they do then?
Recommended for you