Cincinnati Bengals: Will Jerome Simpson's Arrest Affect Bengals' Draft Strategy?

Just last week I published an article discussing the Cincinnati Bengals' most dire needs heading into April's NFL draft.

They need a running back, I said.  They need a cornerback.  They need a safety. 

But not until today did I realize that one of the Bengals' biggest issues may be a lack of depth at wide receiver. 

Following the news of Jerome Simpson's drug-related indictment this afternoon, Cincinnati's receiving corps suddenly looks dangerously thin. 

While AJ Green is clearly a No. 1 wideout, and Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell have both proven themselves to be solid slot options, do the Bengals really have a legitimate No. 2 threat in the passing game with Simpson out of the picture?

I'm not so sure they do.

According to reports, Simpson could be looking at one to five years in prison, having trafficked large amounts of marijuana, so the Bengals may very well elect to use the upcoming draft to bring in a permanent replacement.

The 2012 draft class is stocked with talented receivers, but Cincy may address the team's more obvious needs—both in the backfield and on the defensive side of the ball—before looking at the wideout pool.

That could leave the Bengals with slim pickings in the later rounds of the draft, and may even force them to resort to free agency.

While Simpson often goes unnoticed (unless he's flipping headfirst into the end zone), he has played a much larger role in Cincinnati than many realize. 

With 50 receptions and more than 700 yards last season, Simpson seemed to be well on his way to becoming a legitimate star in the NFL.

Stars aren't easily replaced.