Looking at the Players the Cincinnati Bengals Lined Up for Pre-Draft Visits

Each NFL team can schedule up to 30 pre-draft visits with prospective players. Teams do so in order to get closer looks not just at players they have a great deal of interest in, but also those who are on the bubble, who may or may not be very clearly on their draft radar.

These visits provide teams with a good deal of additional information about the players, whether they're doing so to work them out or simply to interview them and discuss the fundamentals of the game.

Here's a list of the players who have visited or will be visiting the Cincinnati Bengals in the coming days and just what I think they're doing there.

Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Cincinnati Bengals have a solid defensive line for the most part, but there are some question marks, particularly regarding the ability of the two free agents they brought in, Jamaal Anderson and Derrick Harvey, to be sure-fire starters.

Though Brockers is a tackle and not a defensive end and they already have one talented pass-rusher at tackle in Geno Atkins and two solid run-stoppers, getting depth at the position isn't a bad move.

Brockers is considered one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft, and it's not a position of need for the Bengals. It was likely just a feeling-out visit just in case they go best available player with one of their two first-round picks and he's still on the board.

Ryan Davis, LB, Bethune-Cookman

Ryan Davis is slowly creeping up draft boards, and teams are lining up to visit him after a good showing at the University of Miami pro day, to which he received an invite (he wasn't invited to the scouting combine).  

Davis is projected to be better in 3-4 defenses, but the fact that he can play both outside linebacker and defensive end makes him appealing to a 4-3 team like the Bengals. He had 12 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in his 2011 season.

Davis is athletic and is a natural-born defender, so the Bengals are making a smart move by kicking his tires. 

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Depending on who you ask, Notre Dame's Michael Floyd may just be the best receiver prospect in this year's draft, even if he doesn't end up off the board before Justin Blackmon. The Bengals are in the market for a receiver this year, perhaps even in the first round, so it's not surprising they'd bring Floyd in for a visit.

Yes, Floyd has some character-related red flags, but that's never scared the Bengals off in the past. If receiver truly is a first-round priority, then I wouldn't be surprised if they draft Floyd if he's not yet spoken for.

Devin Goda, WR, Slippery Rock

Devin Goda is practically as small-school as a draft prospect can get, coming from Western Pennsylvania's Slippery Rock University. He may go undrafted this year or could be a late-round pickup for the Bengals if they're truly interested. He's got good size and speed, but his rawness and lack of top-tier competition makes him quite the unknown.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

Trumaine Johnson has the athleticism, physicality, leaping ability and good hands that any team would love in a cornerback, but his lack of elite speed and a few character concerns makes him a mid-round pickup. The Bengals are in the market for at least one corner, and even if they do pick one up in the first round, might also nab Johnson later on if for nothing more than youth and depth.

Peter Konz, OG/C, Wisconsin

The Bengals need to improve their offensive line in this draft, so Wisconsin's Peter Konz is likely one of many linemen they'll take a closer look at as the draft approaches. Konz is a natural center but can also effectively play guard. Versatile offensive linemen are important for every team to have on their roster.

Konz could be a first-round target for the Bengals, but I think this meeting is more about ruling him out than moving him up their board. 

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Bengals do have decent depth and talent in their linebacking corps, but it's quite possible they are looking for a successor for Rey Maualuga, who is entering the final year of his contract. Kuechly isn't a traditional pass-rusher and instead works better in run defense, but his intensity and speed are intriguing.

Again, this may be another rule-out meeting, but the Bengals may just snag him if he's still available when they pick in the first round. 

Ernest Owusu, DE, California

Ernest Owusu isn't the most explosive defensive end prospect in this year's draft, but he's begun to draw attention thanks to his showing at his pro day in which he exhibited some serious athleticism—39 bench press reps and a 4.7 second 40-yard dash. He wasn't invited to the scouting combine, which is surprising considering his production last season.

Owusu needs developing and could be a later-round target for the Bengals.

Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

Courtney Upshaw, on the other hand, is projected to be a first-round pick this year and doesn't need nearly the development of Owusu. The Bengals are set at defensive end right now, but Upshaw's level of talent could prove enticing should he still be on the board at picks 17 or 21.

Upshaw is elite when it comes to run defense and is less strong—but still impressive—as a pass-rusher. Head coach Marvin Lewis is reportedly enamored with Upshaw, so he may be a best-available first-round pickup this month.

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

The Bengals are hoping to go with a three-headed running back committee this year, anchored by BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott and augmented by a faster, smaller rusher they'd likely pick up in the draft. Virginia Tech's David Wilson could easily be that third man.

Wilson is perfect for the Bengals—he doesn't have the physicality to be an every-down back, but they won't need him to be. He's got great hands when it comes to the passing game, and he has the top-shelf speed both Green-Ellis and Scott lack. He'd be the ideal second-round pickup for Cincy if he's still on the board.

Follow @FBALL_Andrea