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

By Jon Dove

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M /
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The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping that by filling a few key team needs they will be able to get themselves back into the playoff mix.

This past season was a complete disaster for the Cincinnati Bengals who saw several players take a step back. They have long been a team that relies on draft and development. So much so, that they often let their own free agents hit the open market.

Cincinnati saw that strategy play a major role in the team’s struggles. They were unable to overcome the key losses along the offensive line. Look for the Bengals to take a different approach this offseason.

They have roughly $36 million in cap space and could make a few big-ticket signing. Cincinnati also has one pick in each of the rounds in the 2018 NFL Draft. They have more than enough ammo to make a big splash.

Below are the Cincinnati Bengals top 3 team needs:

1. Offensive Tackle

Both Jake Fisher and Cedric Ogbuehi have been major disappointments. They were expected to be the team’s bookend offensive tackles, but are now both fighting for playing time. It’s even possible that both kick inside to guard.

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Cincinnati is in solid position to land the draft’s top offensive tackle. My current rankings have Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey at the top of my rankings. However, this is a very tight race for the 1st tackle selected.

Western Michigan’s Chukwuma Okorafor, Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown Jr. and Texas’ Connor Williams are all in the running.

The free agent market doesn’t have much in the way of left tackles this year. It would be best for the Bengals to fill this need via the draft.

2. Interior Offensive Line

The loss of Kevin Zeitler really hurt the continuity of the Bengals offensive line. His replacements just were able to hold their own. It’s possible that the Bengals dip into the free agent pool to get the interior of the offensive line settled.

However, there is also the possibility that they are counting on Ogbuehi or Fisher to seize a guard spot. The Bengals have shown a lot of restraint in free agency and might want to give their younger players another opportunity.

Center Russel Bodine is a pending free agent which makes this another position to monitor.

3. Defensive Tackle

Geno Atkins remains one of the more disruptive defenders in the entire NFL. However, he bears a lot of burden and could use some help. Cincinnati doesn’t have another interior pass rushing threat which is why they rely on Atkins so heavily.

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