Previous Pick: Cleveland Browns
6. Cincinnati Bengals
-Eugene Monroe (LT/Virginia)
- NFL.com
Being a Lions fan, I completely sympathize with any loyal Bengal fan. Having to deal with Carson Palmer’s injuries, the collapse of the offensive line, and the utterly revolting season of Chad Johson. All their woes stemmed from the inconsistent play of the grossly overpaid offensive tackles (and guards). Finally, after seeing the need for change, Cincinnati decided to release RT Stacy Andrews to clear some cap space for a better suited draftee.
This is where Eugene Monroe comes in…. The Bengals have to find a way to protect Carson Palmer because Ryan Fitzpatrick is not a starting caliber quarterback in the NFL. Monroe should help to reduce the likelihood of repeating the 52 sacks allowed during 2008. He is one of the best linemen in America (1st team All-American) and should be able to knock off Levi Jones by the end of training camp. Jones was a great player, but his career has been plagued by injuries. Eugene Monroe is an ideal pass blocker who will make a point of keeping Carson Palmer on his feet.
-B.J. Raji (DT/Boston College)
- NFL.com
Although a tackle seems like a no-brainer, things get complicated by the meager pass rush of the Bengals. Tied for 2nd worst in the league (17 sacks), Cincinnati would love to have a defensive lineman that can clog the middle and rush the passer. That man is B.J. Raji. Domata Peko and John Thornton are not going to strike fear into opposing offenses. Thornton is 32 years old, and Peko is not much of a pass rusher (0.5 sacks). B.J. Raji would help the entire defense by drawing those double teams in the middle of the line.
-Brian Orakpo (DE/Texas)
- NFL.com
Robert Gaithers and Antwan Odom didn’t pressure quarterbacks too much last season (5.5 sacks between the two of them). The Bengals have been seeking a stud defensive end for some time now with no luck. Odom had promise, but just hasn’t panned out. So they really should grab a guy in the draft to help them.
Orakpo would be asked to fulfill a familiar role in the Bengals defense. Instead of switching him to a rush linebacker, he would probably play right defensive end. He is a bit undersized, but his strength is far better than the majority of right ends.
All in all, I do think the most pressing need is to protect Palmer. The entire offense is built around him, and it seems foolish not to ensure he stays healthy.
Many fans would love to have a nasty linebacker in the middle like Rey Maualuga. But he probably is a better inside linebacker than a MLB in a 4-3 scheme. If for some reason, Cincinnatis swings a trade down to the middle of round 1, then Maualuga could be considered.
Next on the clock: Oakland Raiders
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