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2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams

By George Stockburger

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis walks the sideline during the pregame warmups for their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis walks the sideline during the pregame warmups for their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals

Key Draft Needs: LB, WR, OL

Record: 5-8-1

Linebacker – Cincinnati needed a linebacker going into this season and it never happened. It’s allowed this defense to have the fourth-worst run defense in the NFL. Outside of that, Karlos Dansby is 35-years-old, and shouldn’t be relied on to be in the core of your defense. Vontaze Burflict consistently plays in the grey zone when it comes to player safety, and can be suspended at any moment. Youth who bring proper technique and play recognition can fill the needs in Cincinnati.

Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is carted off the field after being injured in the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is carted off the field after being injured in the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver – Tyler Boyd will be a nice compliment to AJ Green at receiver, and has played decent in Green’s absense. However, there are injury concerns to Green and their tight end, Tyler Eifert thanks to an injury suffered in the Pro Bowl. Losing Sanu in free agency did not make the situation in Cincinnati any easier either. Another second or third-round pick could be spent on a wide out to complement Boyd and Green.

Offensive Line – Drafting some offensive line depth is crucial for this team moving forward, especially since the line has allowed the second-most sacks this season. Andy Dalton can not take that beating, especially when he’s waiting to sling the ball deep down field to Green or Boyd. Andrew Whitworth will be an aging free agent at the end of the season, and Cedric Ogbuehi is still a question despite being drafted in the first round back in 2015.

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