NFL Draft Info - Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Team Needs

By: Joe Goodberry

• Offensive Play-maker-  This should be the Bengals number one priority heading into the off-season. After Chris Henry Broke his forearm in week 9, the offense wasn't the same. Without a player like Henry to run deep and command a safety to play over the top, the Bengals offense struggled. Teams started putting 8 players in the box, and double covering Chad Johnson.  What the Bengals need is a player that can score any time he touches the ball. Somebody that makes a defensive coordinator have nightmares. This offensive play-maker can come in the form of a pass catching TE, a speedy RB, or a deep threat at WR.  

• Tight End- Cincinnati might have the worst group of tight ends in the NFL. Last years 3rd round pick Chase Coffmanwas inactive for all 16 games. He may be the answer as far as a pass catcher, but we can't depend on a guy who hasn't played an NFL game. Last years starter J.P. Foschi is a quality TE, but he would be the 3rd TE on most teams depth charts. Before last seasons trade deadline, the Bengals inquired about TE Martellus Bennett of the Dallas Cowboys. Cincinnati was very interested in Bennett duringthe 2008 draft, but Dallas drafted him just a few picks before the Bengals could. Look for them to try to open trade talks with the Cowboys again this off-season. If Bennett can't be traded for, then we have to draft another TE, and sign a free agent.

• Wide Receiver- Chad Ochocinco needs some help from whoever the other starter is going to be in 2010. Andre Caldwell will be in his 3rd NFL season, and Laveranues Coles will be in his 2nd season with the Bengals. So no more excuses. If these guys don't contribute in 2010, the Bengals will fall short of the playoffs. But can you take a wait and see approach? It's too risky. The Bengals needs to have an insurance policy in place in case any of the two aforementioned players don't come through. The Bengals said there is a chance they draft two WRs in April. Also look for them to bring in a low cost  free agent. Maybe a guy like Kevin Walter of the Texans. Walter played for Cincinnati before, and may be willing to come back. 

• Safety- Chinedum Ndukwe and Chris Crocker are adequate starters, but they don't provide enough. Offenses aren't scared to throw their way. And with the excellent play of starting corner backs Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, the Safeties are the weak spot and will be tested by offenses. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wants a safety that is versatile enough to cover TEs and slot WRs and still physical enough to play the run. The Bengals were seen at the Senior Bowl talking to CB/S Chris Cook of Virginia, and S Larry Asante of Nebraska, both players could be had in the 3rd round. 

• Kicker- Last seasons "franchise" kicker Shayne Graham is a free agent, and it couldn't come at a better time. Graham may have worn out his welcome in Cincinnati. Shayne is the 4th most accurate kicker of all time,  but he isn't the most clutch kicker out there. After missing 2 FGs in the playoff loss to the Jets the Bengals may need to look in a new direction.

• Guard - Last seasons starting RG Bobbie Williams is 32 years old and a free agent. Meanwhile LG Evan Mathis is a restricted FA. Look for Cincinnati to to draft an offensive lineman late in the 2010 draft. They like to draft Tackles to play Guard, so keep an eye on that scenario.

• Corner back Depth - Bothstarters are pro bowl type players, but behind them will be 2nd year player Morgan Trent who was a 6th round pick last season, Mike Mickens (6th round pick by cowboys in 09) and restricted FA David Jones. So look for Cincinnati to draft a CB for depth, maybe a player who can help at Safety as well.

• Defensive End- Left End Robert Geathers hasn't produced since his 10.5 sack season in 2006. Cincinnati signed him to a contract extension after that year, and since then Geathers has only recorded 9.5 sacks in 3 seasons. It may be time he gets cut.  Right End Antwan Odom started the 09 season on a tear, recording 8 sacks in 6 games, but Odom was lost for the season with a ruptured achilles. Odom should be fine to return in 2010, but this is his 2nd season in a row with injury problems. Michael Johnson was a rookie last season, and should continue his progress after a solid rookie season. The Bengals may want to draft a DE who can play LE on passing downs while Jonathan Fanene will play LE on rushing downs.

• DT Depth- Tank Johnson is a free agent, even though they have expressed interest in resigning the veteran. Pat Sims broke his arm in the last regular season game, but he should be ready for training camp. When starter Domata Peko was injured for 4 games last season, Cincinnati gave up too many rushing yards. So look for the Bengals to draft or sign a vet to play backup if they cannot sign Tank Johnson.