The Cincinnati Bengals are a talented bunch aiming to take the next step and garner some postseason success.
Finding a complement to Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green as well as a more explosive outside running threat could help quarterback Andy Dalton, who has some limitations due to his pedestrian arm strength. Clearing up the right tackle situation is also a priority because Andre Smith, who was one of the best in football last season, remains a free agent.
The defense seems to be in better shape although weakside linebacker is up for grabs and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer could use some competition for middle linebacker Rey Maualuga as well. Safety is also a concern because no one was able to beat out the limited Chris Crocker last season and he is now a free agent.
With 10 picks, including four in the first three rounds, Cincy has the ammunition to get some things done and is reportedly very high on athletic Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree as well as Alabama running back Eddie Lacy and Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro. Also keep an eye on Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden, a fast-rising prospect, as a possible second or third round pick.
2012 Record: 10-6
Top Needs: S, WR, RT, LB
First Three Picks: No. 21, No. 37, No. 53
Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2012 - Dre Kirkpatrick (CB, Alabama), Kevin Zeitler (OG, Wisconsin); 2011 - A.J. Green (WR, Georgia); 2010 - Jermaine Gresham, TE (Oklahoma); 2009 - Andre Smith (OT, Alabama); 2008 - Keith Rivers (LB, USC); 2007 - Leon Hall (CB, Michigan); 2006 - Johnathan Joseph (CB, South Carolina); 2005 - David Pollack (OLB, Georgia); 2004 - Chris Perry (RB, Michigan); 2003 - Carson Palmer (QB, Southern Cal).
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