The Cincinnati Bengals lost in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs for the fourth straight season, and are looking to improve their roster to finally get over the hump. What needs to they have to address in this year's draft?
CORNERBACK
Cincinnati desperately needs some help in the defensive backfield. Top corner Adam Jones is 31 with only one year left on his current deal, and Leon Hall's play continues to regress. The team does have Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard looking for bigger roles, but the Bengals' depth chart at the position could use a boost. Oregon's Ifo Ekpre-Olamu and LSU's Jalen Collins would be good options in the first round.
DEFENSIVE END
The Bengals really need another pass rusher after they couldn't find a replacement for the departed Michael Johnson this past season. Margus Hunt, Will Clarke, and Wallace Gilberry weren't able to get it done, and Cincy needs to find someone they can line up opposite of Carlos Dunlap. Kentucky's Alvin Dupree could be in play if he slips to the 21st pick in the first round, as will Florida's Dante Fowler, Jr.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Cincinnati could also go after someone to play on the interior of the defensive line as they've failed to find someone they can rely on to play next to Geno Atkins. Starter Domata Peko ranked No. 80 out of 81 players graded at his position at PFF last year, and his regression means it's time to look somewhere else. Washington's Danny Shelton and Texas' Malcolm Brown are the best options in the first round.
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