Cincinnati Bengals: Top positional needs for the 2020 NFL Draft

4. Edge Rusher

The Bengals have a young stud on the right side of the defensive line in Sam Hubbard. The 2018 third-round draft pick has totaled 115 tackles and 14.5 sacks in two seasons. On the left side of the defensive line, they have veteran Carlos Dunlap who has played all nine of his NFL seasons in Cincinnati.

Dunlap who has a career total of 471 tackles and 81.5 sacks is entering his last year of a three-year deal he signed back in 2018. He is set to make $13.5 million in 2020 and the Bengals can release him with little effect. They would only have $2.25 million in dead money in 2020 which would save them $11.25 million in cap savings.

In turn, if they decide to part ways with Dunlap, I believe they will look to add an edge rusher on the third day of the 2020 NFL Draft. The player who I like for this team in this range is Jason Strowbridge from North Carolina. Strowbridge is a raw player who needs to improve on his pass-rush but can spend time sitting on the bench for a season or two learning behind a veteran they can bring in via free agency.

Another player to watch is D.J. Wonnum from South Carolina who has a lot of speed and athleticism. His stats were not impressive as a senior and he also did not have a big week during the Senior Bowl which could lead to him being a Day 3 player. Though I like Wonnum enough to call his name if he is on the board when the Bengals pick in the sixth round.