Oct 9, 2011; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith (71) reacts at the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Bengals be targeting a right tackle early in the 2013 NFL Draft? There are starting to be some signs and whispers around the NFL that say yes they are. Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk reports the Bengals may be looking at letting Andre Smith walk and draft a cheaper option.

As one league source explains it, the Bengals are now inclined to see if they can find a cheaper and younger replacement for Smith via the draft.  If the Bengals can, they’ll possibly pull the plug on efforts to re-sign Smith, a first-round pick in 2009.

Now Smith was the #1 rated right tackle in the league by PFF last year, so conventional wisdom says you have to bring him back. Rumors are that Smith is wanting around 9 million per year and with all the big time players the Bengals need to re-sign and extend next year, 9 million a year is too much especially since a market for him doesn’t seem to exist.

With the draft just around the corner, you have to take information like this as you will. The reports could be completely right and the Bengals could take D.J. Fluker or Menelik Watson at 21, or this could be a smokescreen to drive Smiths price down. Either way it should be an interesting next few weeks in Cincinnati.

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Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones point to the fans prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys are undergoing a major change this offseason in switching from the 3-4 to a 4-3. This is a major risk when you have one of the best 3-4 OLBs in the league in DeMarcus Ware. Tony Romo was his normal self last year, making some spectacular throws and then making some absolutely head scratching throws. He threw 19 INTs last year, which he has to bring down this year if Dallas wants to make the playoffs. DeMarco Murrays injury concerns are showing, as he has yet to stay healthy an entire season in his first 2 years. The offensive line is also a big worry for the Cowboys. They need help in the middle of that line at both guard spots and at center. They also need help at safety. They got their cornerbacks last year in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.

Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Vaccaro - The Cowboys safeties last year were really bad. They released Gerald Sensabaugh in early March and Barry Church may not be 100% at the start of the season after tearing his Achilles. Vaccaro gives the Cowboys a lot of versatility at safety, having the ability to drop down and cover the slot WR or dropping back into zone coverage. Vaccro didn’t produce many turnovers at Texas, which causes some concern about his ability to be a true centerfielder back there. He is very aggressive in the run game, coming up and making a play on the ball carrier very quickly. He can get overly aggressive at times however, causing missed tackles.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Cyprien – If Vaccro is taken by a team before the Cowboys pick, or possibly even if he is there, the Cowboys could go with Cyprien. He has flown up the draft boards since the Senior Bowl. Cyprien is a physical, aggressive safety  who plays every snap with a full speed effort. He really enjoys the physical nature of the safety position, hitting the ball carrier with a pop and refusing to relent. He has shown good ball skills, showing the ability to extend and grab the ball out of the air. Played some of his best games against the top competition he played. Does occasionally tackle players up high.

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman D.J. Fluker (76) against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’6″

Weight:  335 pounds

Position Rank: 4

Drafted By: San Diego Chargers (1st round, 11th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  N/A

Bench Press:  N/A

Vertical Jump:  N/A

Broad Jump:  N/A

20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Physically gifted player who could be the first Alabama lineman to hear his name called on draft night in 2013. Fluker is only a redshirt junior but all indications are he will depart after the 2012 season and become an instant starter in an NFL offense. He is about as talented a right tackle prospect you will see, gifted with athletic ability and incredible size. He is rated as a top 25 player by most outlets going into the 2012 season, and should be one of the top overall offensive tackles in the country. Could have easily left school after his sophomore season which he garnered a lot of national attention, but decided to go back to school to honor a promise he made to his mother, which I really admire. He has missed some time due to injury, but for the most part has been healthy and a dominant player when he’s able to be on the field. Second team All-SEC as a sophomore and should continue to improve in 2012.

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