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NFL • 12 months ago

2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

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Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Marvin Lewis Cincinnati Bengals — While the Cincinnati Bengals have made some key signings in free agency, they still have some holes to fill in their roster before the start of the 2015 season. With the NFL Draft approaching in about a month, it's time for them to dial in on the standout players that will be able to come into Cincinnati and make an immediate impact. Here are some positions they still need to address.

While the Cincinnati Bengals have made some key signings in free agency, they still have some holes to fill in their roster before the start of the 2015 season. With the NFL Draft approaching in about a month, it's time for them to dial in on the standout players that will be able to come into Cincinnati and make an immediate impact. Here are some positions they still need to address.

5. Offensive Tackle

5. Offensive tackle

The Bengals' offensive line looks solid heading into next season, with all five starters from 2014 returning. However, three of those five guys could be hitting the free agent market in 2016. While they have good depth at guard, Eric Winston is the only true backup tackle. For depth and future purposes, they may want to consider drafting an offensive tackle this year.

4. Wide Receiver

4. Wide Receiver

The Bengals have a solid WR core in A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Unfortunately, they all will become free agents in 2016. While I fully expect Green to receive the franchise tag, the fate of Jones and Sanu is unknown. The Bengals may need to look for a quality receiver in this draft to be safe.

3. Safety

3. Safety

Going into 2015, the Bengals actually look strong at the safety position. In 2016, however, George Iloka's rookie contract ends and 31-year-old Reggie Nelson becomes a free agent. With the future of this position looking unclear, it may be a good idea to pick up a young talent in this year's draft.

2. Tight End

2. Tight End

The Bengals are still in need of a blocking tight end after losing Jermaine Gresham this offseason. I expected them to sign a veteran in free agency, but perhaps there's a guy in the draft they have their eyes on. Either way, they will need to address it before the start of the season.

1. Defensive End

1. Defensive End

By signing Michael Johnson in free agency, the Bengals definitely helped their case at defensive end, the position they most desperately needed to address heading into 2015. However, Johnson will not miraculously fix all the problems, especially if he has another 2014-like season. I think it would be a smart move for Cincinnati to spend a high draft pick on a solid pass rusher this year.

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Julie Swartz is a writer for RantSports.

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