2008 NFL Draft Coverage: Cincinnati Bengals on the Clock

After another disappointing season in 2007, the Cincinnati Bengals look to build on a mildly productive free agency period with a 10 solid draft picks.

The offseason provided more questions than answers in the wake of the release of troubled WR Chris Henry and a noisy contract dispute with Chad Johnson. Not to mention the looming extension for WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh still unresolved and the question mark at middle linebacker with a possible reinstatement for Odell Thurman, currently serving a two-year suspension from Roger Godell for violating the league’s drug abuse policy.

A serious hamstring injury limited Ahmad Brooks—a player many coaches and teammates thought could replace Thurman’s rookie production from the 2005 season—to just four starts last season.

The Bengals added some talent in free agency, signing former Titan DE Antwan Odom to fill the departure of Justin Smith to the 49ers. They also managed to lure away one of Peyton Manning’s targets in Indy—TE Ben Utecht. Look for Utecht to make an immediate impact in a Bengals offense that looks to regain its running game mentality in the upcoming season.

With the draft less than two weeks away, we’ll take a look at possible first day selections for a team looking to regain control in a tough AFC North division.

With the Bengals holding the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft, you have to assume they’ll look defense first.

Cincinnati finished outside of the top-25 in total defense for four straight years under Marvin Lewis, a number that must change for the Bengals to reach the playoffs. They took hit after hit in the offseason, losing DE Justin Smith (49ers), FS Madeiu Williams (Vikings), and LB Landon Johnson (Panthers).

It didn't come as much of a shock. It looked as if new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was willing to shake up a defense that is in major need.

In the offseason, acquiring DE Antwan Odom from Tennessee seemed to dispel rumors of a change to a 3-4 defense this year, although Zimmer has been known to run 3-4 sets out of a base 4-3 defense.

I think that transitions very well to where I see the Bengals going with their first pick of the draft. Here’s a look at what the Bengals may have in store in this year’s draft.

Round 1: Pick No. 9

DT Sedrick Ellis (USC): 6'1", 285 pounds

Ellis looks to be an ideal fit in the Bengals 4-3 scheme, providing an instant upgrade in athleticism and playmaking ability to the position. Ellis played in a similar style defense at USC, where he recorded 28.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks in a very productive college career.

The Bengals desperately need help on the defensive front four, especially on the interior. A playmaker like Ellis could help free DE Robert Geathers, who is coming off a monster year in 2007.

Look for the Bengals to take Ellis at No. 9 overall if he slides outside the top six.

Other possible candidates: DE Derrick Harvey (Florida), OLB Keith Rivers (USC), WR Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma)

Round 2: Pick No. 46

WR James Hardy (Indiana): 6'7", 220 pounds

The Bengals will go WR in the second round, a position that seemed to provide the most talent and depth to the roster two years ago.

With the release of Chris Henry, Cincinnati needs a No. 3 wide receiver with similar playmaking ability to Henry. With Hardy stretching out at 6-foot-7, look for him to provide a major impact in the red zone, an area that hurt the Bengals last year.

Hardy doesn’t match Henry’s speed, but seems to provide a solid fit at the position. Although they added Utecht to the offense and a refocused running game, the Bengals will need to have a third wideout that puts pressure up the middle of the field, spreading the defense and taking pressure off the star WRs and the running game.

Putting Hardy in black and orange stripes seems to be a perfect fit for Carson Palmer and the Bengals in round two. 

Other possible candidates: WR Early Doucet (LSU), WR Jordy Nelson (Kansas State), DT Trevor Laws (Notre Dame), DE Quentin Groves (Auburn)

Round 3: Pick No. 77

OLB Wesley Woodyard (Kentucky): 6'1", 212 pounds

The Bengals could use some help at outside linebacker with the departure of incumbent OLB Landon Johnson for Carolina in free agency.

Don’t be surprised if the Bengals take Woodyard with their first selection in round three. At 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, Woodyard is undersized, which is why he might fall to the Bengals at the No. 77 pick.

Woodyard has great speed and athleticism, and has even gained some weight since the combine. He is another guy who would look great in Bengal stripes, hopefully solidifying the linebacker position and also adding depth to special teams. 

Other possible candidates: WR Lavelle Hawkins (Cal), RB Matt Forte (Tulsa), RB Chauncey Washington (USC)