With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Team Needs

By Jon Dove

Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Bengals had a rough offseason where they saw several starters move on to other teams and thus creating some team needs.

Spending big money in free agency has not been how the Cincinnati Bengals operate and that didn’t change this year. The bigger surprise is that they allows some of their homegrown talent move on to other cities.

Kevin Zeitler and Andrew Whitworth are the biggest losses creating some uncertainty along the offensive line. Cincinnati is hoping that two recent draft picks, Jake Fisher and Cedric Ogbuehi, are able to fill the void.

The fact they have recently drafted offensive line options on the roster makes this less of a need. It appears they have had this plan in place for a few seasons.

Below are the top three team needs for the Cincinnati Bengals as we head towards the 2017 NFL Draft.

No. 1- Wide Receiver

A.J. Green is still among the top receivers in the NFL and the most important offensive player on the roster. However, the Bengals need to find someone capable of drawing some coverage away from Green.

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Second-year player Tyler Boyd is expected to take on a bigger role, but nothing he showed as a rookie says he’s going to be a difference maker.

The 2017 NFL Draft has wide receiver depth with potential big-play prospects available in the middle rounds. It’s also possible the Bengals use their 1st round pick on the likes of Clemson’s Mike Williams, Western Michigan’s Corey Davis or Washington’s John Ross.

No. 2- Defensive Tackle

The Bengals lost Domata Peko in free agency and need to find a stout run defender to take his place. This is an important role for the Bengals as it allows Geno Atkins to focus on penetrating the pocket.

Florida’s Caleb Brantley would be a solid 2nd round pick and someone ready to contribute as a rookie.

No. 3- Linebacker

Signing Kevin Minter was an underrated move for the Bengals. He’s an experienced starter who puts up steady numbers. Cincinnati is hoping that the Minter and Vontaze Burfict are able to improve the consistency of the linebacker corps.

The issue is that Burfict is unreliable thanks to recent injuries and explosive personality. Cincinnati needs to find a someone capable of taking Burfict’s place and potentially start at the other outside linebacker spot.

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