Cincinnati Bengals 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals coach

speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals have made the playoffs in back to back years for the first time since 1982. However, they still haven’t won a playoff game since 1990. Andy Dalton made some strides from year one to year two but he also took some steps back as well. He has to show some improvement this year or the Bengals may consider looking for a QB elsewhere. On offense they still have some needs. They need a change of pace back to compliment BenJarvus Green-Ellis. They also need either Marvin Jones or Mohamed Sanu to step up and take over than #2 WR spot opposite A.J. Green, though I think Sanu is better suited for the slot. On defense they need a safety to play opposite Reggie Nelson and a weakside linebacker who can play in coverage. Defensive end, while not a huge need, will probably be looked at if someone falls seeing that Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson are both free agents next year.

Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) plays defense during a 55-24 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Brown – Weakside lineback is a huge need for the Bengals. If you look at the playoff game last year you see that Rey Maualuga can’t play in coverage at all. He is much more suited as a strongside linebacker which would open up the middle for Vontaze Burfict. Plug in Arthur Brown on the weakside and suddenly your linebacker core becomes much better. Brown has his limitations, mainly his size, but he plays much bigger than he actually is. He is very instinctual and physical despite his size. He diagnoses plays as well as anyone in this draft and almost always takes his first step in the right direction. Very good sideline to sideline speed which helps him have the ability to cover RBs, TEs and crossing WRs. He can play in the Nickel and play in coverage, which is important to the Bengals because they played over 50% of their snaps in the nickel last year.

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) intercepts a pass in the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Alec Ogletree – Ogletree is a former safety who can come in and take over the weakside linebacker position. His coverage skills are as good as any linebacker in this draft. He has elite speed and can make a play anywhere on the field. Arrives violently when he comes in to make a big hit. Is really quick around the edges, often hitting the running back in the backfield for a loss. At times was the most impressive player on that loaded Georgia defense. He does need to add some muscle to his frame, but that shouldn’t be a problem with an NFL strength program. Also needs to get better against the run. Has character concerns with a suspension for drugs at Georgia and a DUI just before the combine.