NFL Cincinnati Bengals

2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals’ Top 5 Needs

2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals’ Top 5 Needs

Darqueze Dennard
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

It is rare that a team as well run as the Cincinnati Bengals over the last half-decade has this many holes to fill. More concerning is the fact that these questions lie at some of the league’s most important positions. Cincy has some critical decisions to make between now and the NFL Draft if it wishes to take its place among the bad boys of the AFC.

5. Tight End

Jermaine Gresham
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tight End

Jermaine Gresham
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Jermaine Gresham is about as vanilla a starting TE as you will find in the NFL. He is consistent enough, but lacks the explosive playmaking ability that is starting to become the norm amongst the league’s elite at that position. Gresham is the only true TE on the roster who is capable of staying healthy, so look for a mid-to-late round pick here to boost competition in training camp.

4. Quarterback

Andy Dalton
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

4. Quarterback

Andy Dalton
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

No, this isn’t just for shock value. Big contract or no big contract, Bengals brass must seriously contemplate whether or not Andy Dalton is the future of the franchise. This time last year, Queen City residents were screaming, “Off with his head!” after another disastrous playoff performance. Should he repeat that blunder to close out 2014, heads just might roll.

3. Strong Safety

George Iloka
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Strong Safety

George Iloka
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Current starting safety George Iloka plays the position the way it used to be played: fast, hard and always raring to knock an opposing receiver into next week. Unfortunately, his play in coverage leaves a lot to be desired, which is a big mark against him in this pass-happy league. With a respective nobody in Shawn Williams backing up Iloka, Cincy may pull the trigger on a young x-factor in the deep secondary.

2. Defensive Line

Geno Atkins
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. Defensive Line

Geno Atkins
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Carlos Dunlap, the Bengals’ defensive line has drastically underwhelmed this season. Age is the biggest factor, but even the brightest spark among the group – defensive tackle Geno Atkins – has fallen off the face of the earth since signing a big money deal last year. A shot of youth is exactly what this front four needs.

1. Linebacker

Vontaze Burfict
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

1. Linebacker

Vontaze Burfict
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Make no mistake, Vontaze Burfict is one of the most talented linebackers playing the game today. He’s also one of the most foolish and injury prone. Outside of Burfict, the unit is mediocre at best, even taking into account how unfairly vilified Rey Maualuga is in the eyes of Bengal Nation. A well-rounded athlete comfortable in both slot coverage and rushing the passer from the fringe of the tackle box must be a first-round consideration.

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