Building a 2012 NFL Draft Big Board for the Cincinnati Bengals

The NFL draft is but three weeks away, and teams are furiously reworking their big boards in anticipation of the event. That, naturally, includes the Cincinnati Bengals.

Here is my 15-player big board for the Bengals that reflects their own needs and interests rather than those of other teams around the league. These are players on their radar, some of whom they are targeting in the first round of the draft.

Granted, many of them won't fall to Cincy, but with the draft being unpredictable, anything is possible.

1. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

There have been some rumblings in the past few months about the Bengals' interest in running back Trent Richardson, but it's doubtful they trade up as far as it would take to draft him. The Bengals do still need to add a running back, and considering Richardson is the best in the draft, he needs to top their board.

One drawback about Richardson for the Bengals is that they are looking to have a committee approach to running back this year. If that's set in stone, then Richardson isn't that kind of player. He carries the ball practically each and every time it's handed off.

I'm sure if the Bengals landed him, they'd figure it out.

2. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Bengals could use at least one more corner—and certainly one more starter—this year, and who better than Morris Claiborne, the best defender in the draft?

Again, Claiborne is a long-shot to land with the Bengals, but he must remain on their board simply because he's both extremely talented and meets a very real need.

3. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

While David DeCastro is the top-rated offensive guard in this year's draft, it's not impossible that the Bengals land him—Steve Hutchinson went 17th overall in 2001.

DeCastro meets an immediate need for the team after they lost Nate Livings in free agency, and Bobbie Williams isn't likely to get a new deal.  

4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Receiver is another need for the Bengals this year, one they're likely to address in the first round. Again, just as with players mentioned above, they won't likely be in position to draft Justin Blackmon, but this board is about needs and talent, and is not a mock draft. It's a deep draft class at receiver, however, so missing out on Blackmon won't sting.

5. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

There's a possibility that Dre Kirkpatrick could be draftable for the Bengals at pick No. 17 this year, but they may prefer to use the selection on David DeCastro if he's not yet taken or another corner with fewer red flags. Still, as far as talent is concerned, Kirkpatrick is near the top of the board. 

6. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Bengals have five defensive ends on their roster and have effectively made up for the losses of Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker in free agency. The team certainly has bigger needs to meet in early rounds of this year's draft, but Quinton Coples is the top-rated defensive end of the class, so if they want to go best-available in the first round and he's still available, they could make that move.

7. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

If David DeCastro is spoken for and the Bengals are looking for a first-round offensive guard, then Cordy Glenn will be their man. Trust me, if they don't get him, another AFC North team will.

8. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has practically everything a first-round corner needs except truly elite speed. But in a zone system, he'll be perfect, and he has no personal red flags. All these factors will make him more enticing to the Bengals than some of the other supposedly higher-rated corners.

9. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

While this truncated Bengals big board does have its share of defenders, the first round of their draft will be all about shoring up holes on offense—on the line and at wide receiver.

Michael Floyd is projected to be the second receiver taken this year, and the Bengals could go for him at pick 17 if he's not yet been grabbed.

10. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

The Bengals are looking for a committee approach to running back this year, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott, and Miami's Lamar Miller would be a wonderful third to add into that rotation.

Miller lacks the power of Green-Ellis and Scott but has the kind of quickness that the other two can't boast. His good hands are also a plus in the passing game.

11. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

There's a clear pattern developing here for the Bengals' big board, and Alfonzo Dennard's appearance on it thus makes sense. He's a physical corner—sometimes too physical—but his speed and tackling abilities would make him an easy day-one playmaker for Cincy this year.

12. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Fast, tall and possessing good hands, wide receiver Stephen Hill could be an excellent complement to the Bengals' A.J. Green. Hill is a bit raw as far as route running is concerned, but his ability to separate from defensive backs and his blocking skills have him high on the team's board.

13. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

While the Bengals won't likely pursue a middle linebacker to complement Rey Maualuga in the first round, they've already met with Boston College's Luke Kuechly, affirming that he's on their radar.

Kuechly is a tackling linebacker, not really a pass-rusher, so he'd add a much-needed element to the Bengals linebacking corps.

14. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Janoris Jenkins is a bit undersized for his position but makes up for it by playing at a top level. He's a great cover corner who should make an impact immediately, but his serious character issues keep him out of the Bengals' top 10.

15. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

David Wilson has a perfect storm of skills when it comes to the running back position. Power and speed, vision and elusiveness and the ability to break tackles.

Ball security is an issue but can be improved, and he may prove himself to be the true playmaker of the Bengals' three-headed running attack.

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