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This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick. When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Cincinnati Bengals have the No. 9 pick in the first round.
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Here is an in-depth look at the team's needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com's experts.
Who would you pick and why?
Top five 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 or LSU's Leonard Fournette, if he dropped to the ninth spot in the first round, 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 signed journeyman Randy Bullock, who was re-signed in January.
4. Linebacker: Veteran Rey Maualuga was released and Karlos Dansby left as a free agent. Even with the signing of Kevin Minter, the Bengals could use some youth and depth at linebacker and some have cited Alabama's Reuben Foster as a potential target.
5. Wide receiver: Tyler Boyd and Cody Core did well enough last season to offset the free-agency losses of Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones. However, A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell aren't getting any younger. While Clemson's Mike Williams and Western Michigan's Corey Davis could be enticing if they are available at the ninth pick, it's more likely the Bengals fill this need in the later rounds.
BEST FIT
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama. Cincinnati's defense got old fast, which tends to happen in the NFL. With Foster, the Bengals would add an athletic but fierce linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed and run-stopping ability. His dismissal from the Combine due to an altercation doesn't play in his favor. Neither does a rather lengthy injury history. However, the Butkus Award winner could help fill a void left by the release of veteran Rey Maualuga who also was adept in stifling the running game and the loss of Karlos Dansby to free agency. The Bengals also have needs on the defensive line, but Foster teaming with Vontaze Burfict and newcomer Kevin Minter would give the Bengals' defense a ferocious tandem at linebacker.
PREDICTION
Rob Rang: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee. Adding a young pass rusher to complement veterans Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap is expected to be among the Bengals' top draft-day priorities. Barnett lacks the ideal traits that club president Mike Brown has prioritized in the past, but his production (NCAA-best 33 sacks over past three seasons) against elite competition speaks for itself and he possesses the pro-ready game and work ethic to continue this success in the NFL.
Dane Brugler: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee. While not in the same stratosphere as Myles Garrett from a physical or athletic standpoint, Barnett has a more impressive resume and that counts for something. He isn't a twitchy edge rusher, but his get-off, bend and awareness allow him to make an impact vs. the pass and the run.
Jim Miller: A mock trade puts Tennessee here and the Titans take Jamal Williams, S, LSU.
Frank Cooney, IMO: Yeah, Rey Maualuga was released and Karlos Dansby left as a free agent, but I won't take Alabama's Reuben Foster, either despite or because he somehow reminds me of alum Rolando McClain (No. 6 overall, 2010), who seduced and then disappointed me. So I'll join NFLDraftScout.com teammates and go for DE Derek Barnett from Tennessee.
OK, it's your turn. Tell us in the comments section who you would pick and why. Check out top 1,000 players rated by NFLDraftScout.com, including combine and pro day workouts, biographies, scouting reports.
Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 25th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
