Going Deep in 2017 NFL Draft: Bengals add to every unit except quarterback

The Cincinnati Bengals have 11 picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 9 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

Look around the NFL, and when an offense struggles, it's often because of issues on the line. The Bengals hope that won't be the case this year following an offseason that saw the departures of tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Kevin Zeitler. That's a lot of talent gone.

Tackle Andre Smith, who began his career in Cincinnati before signing with Minnesota last year, is back, but the early rounds of the draft could bring some reinforcements for the line.

The loss of defensive tackle Domata Peko in free agency might result in that position being a target, perhaps on the second day of the draft.

Here is a look at the Bengals' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 . .2013 . .2014 . .2015 . .2016

TOTAL PICKS . . . .10 . . . . . .10 . . . . .8 . . . . .9 . . . .7

STARTERS . . . . . .4 . . . . . .2 . . . . .2 . . . . .1 . . . .0

BACKUPS . . . . . .2 . . . . . .4 . . . . .5 . . . . .7 . . . .7

OTHER TEAMS . . .2 . . . . .3 . . . . .0 . . . . .1 . . .0

OUT OF LEAGUE . .2 . . . . .1 . . . . .1 . . . . .0 . . .0

Top three draft needs:

1. Offensive line: This area gained importance following the free-agent departures of tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Kevin Zeitler. The signing of former Bengal Andre Smith will help, but former No. 1 draft choice Cedric Ogbuehi struggled last year and it won't hurt to add some depth.

2. Running back: The Bengals will need to add some depth here so the debate over whether the team would take a flyer on embattled Oklahoma back Joe Mixon has heated up. Jeremy Hill was inconsistent at best the past two seasons and with Rex Burkhead leaving in free agency, the Bengals could use a back.

3. Kicker: Head coach Marvin Lewis expects there to be competition at kicker in training camp. The Bengals released veteran Mike Nugent during the season and brought back journeyman Randy Bullock, who was re-signed in January.

MOCK DRAFT:

Below is a list of every pick for the Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler. Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

1/9: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee (6-3, 259, 4.87)

2/41: ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama (5-11, 204, 4.49)

3/73: Dion Dawkins, T/G, Temple (6-4, 314, 5.11)

4/116: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo (5-11, 216, 4.56)

4/*138: Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern (6-1, 238, 4.65)

5/153: Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Miami (Fla.) (6-1, 214, 4.51)

5/*176: Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan (6-3, 302, 5.13)

6/193: Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona State (6-0, 202, 4.91)

6/*217: Michael Coe, C, North Dakota (6-2, 309, 5.34)

7/227: Najee Murray, CB, Kent State (6-9, 180, 4.53)

7/*251: Scott Orndoff, TE, Pittsburgh (6-5, 253, 4.64)

Now it's your turn. NFLDraftScout.com is ready to help with its list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.