Cincinnati Bengals should target a linebacker in the 2016 Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals need to consider adding a linebacker during the 2016 draft because they can’t count on Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict is an amazing talent who, when on the field, makes impact plays on a consistent basis. His intensity and non-stop motor has helped spark the entire defense. However, his tendency to play outside the rules makes him unreliable. The Bengals can’t afford to move forward without some insurance or depth behind Burfict.

His history of making poor decisions dates back to his college days where he was routinely flagged for late hits or unnecessary roughness penalties. That history along with his poor performance at the combine are what led to Burfict going undrafted.

The fact that he hasn’t completely changed his behavior should worry the Bengals. He heads into next season having to serve a 3-game suspension. Another case of misconduct could result in a much larger punishment.

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Cincinnati has done a great job over the past several years using the draft to build depth. They need to use this year’s draft to grab someone to potentially replace Burfict. Due to Cincinnati’s forward-thinking approach, it’s possible they address this concern at any point in the draft.

Alabama’s Reggie Ragland is someone who could be available when they pick in the first round and would represent great value. Ragland is a physical defender who attacks the line of scrimmage and takes on blockers. He’s level-headed enough that he won’t bring the same type of risks Burfict features.

The rest of this draft doesn’t have a ton of great true-linebacker options. Arizona’s Scooby Wright is someone that will gain some attention, but he has limited size for the position. Either way, the Bengals are more aware now than ever that it’s not a guarantee that Burfict will be available on gameday.

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