April 1, 2008

Needs on offense: The offensive line could use some reinforcements/challengers at all three positions. The depth at wide receiver may need to be bolstered with Chad Johnson unhappy with the Bengals and T.J. Houshmandzadeh entering the final year of his contract. And running back, so capably manned by Rudi Johnson in recent years, is again a position of need. 

Needs on defense: The Bengals need a playmaking defensive tackle. Trades for Shaun Rogers and Dewayne Robertson fell through early in free agency, and the team appears likely to add a tackle via the draft. Linebacker also looms as a need; injuries decimated the position last season. The Bengals are also likely to employ more 3-4 looks this season, and it’s unclear how the personnel on hand fits the plans of head coach Marvin Lewis and new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

On Draft Day … The Bengals pick ninth, one spot after rival Baltimore. Cincinnati is likely to address the defense with its first pick, but don’t be surprised if there are more offense-minded selections than expected. The team  has some needs on that side of the ball, too, and it cannot leave QB Carson Palmer without enough weapons.