2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Needs

Get ready for the upcoming season with our 2008 Cincinnati Bengals Predictions & NFL Picks!

Plain and simple, the Bengals must get better defensively. Look for them to add a run-stuffing tackle and a pass rushing end early on. Over the last five drafts, taking Carson Palmer with the number one overall pick in 2003 has been the highlight. High draft picks Odell Thurman and Chris Henry have cost the Bengals as their off-the-field behavior has landed them suspensions. Find out which players could help this team get things turned around in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft needs.

#1 Defensive End

It's going to be very tough for the Bengals to decide if they should use their ninth overall pick to select a defensive end or a tackle first. But with Justin Smith moving on to the San Francisco 49ers, the Bengals desperately need an elite pass rusher. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston would be a perfect fit.

#2 Defensive Tackle

The Bengals landed a late round gem when they nabbed Domata Peko in the fourth round in 2006. If they can add another wide body beside him, they could really start to turn their most glaring weakness into a strength. If the Bengals decide to use their first pick on this position, they should go with USC's Sedrick Ellis. He's quick, physical, and powerful and has Pro Bowler written all over him. If they wait until round two, they should look to grab Texas' Frank Okam.

#3 Offensive Tackle

The Bengals have locked up talented offensive tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson through 2012 and 2011 respectively, but both are battling knee injuries. Cincy would be smart to add quality depth here. Pitt's Mike McGlynn fits the mold.

#4 Center

Since Rich Braham's retirement following the 2006 season, the Bengals have had a glaring hole at the center of their offensive line. While there is depth at this spot, none of the players seem to be the answer. Notre Dame's John Sullivan, Texas A&M's Cody Wallace, or Bowling Green's Kory Lichtensteiger could be.

#5 Middle Linebacker

Ahmad Brooks was supposed to the man in the middle for the Bengals, but a 2007 season which saw him miss 14 games with a groin injury has drastically impeded his progress. And Odell Thurman cannot be relied on even if he is reinstated after a two-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. With nothing but question marks here, the Bengals may look to draft Vanderbilt's Jonathan Goff or Arizona's Spencer Larsen.

With all the talent that the Bengals have, it is a shame that the team's character is holding them back. The Bengals might as well start building for the future now because I question how much its current roster cares about winning in relation to making money.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 28th, 2008