Cincinnati Bengals' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future

The future comes into focus for the Cincinnati Bengals at the 2015 NFL draft. 

Over the course of the past couple of years, coach Marvin Lewis and the front office haven't needed to grab instant-impact players early in drafts to stay competitive. Thanks to a smart navigation of free agency, the same holds true this offseason. 

Instead, the Bengals can focus on the long-term outlook, selecting players who don't have to start right away but will one day assume critical roles. Think Dre Kirkpatrick. 

Within, let's identify some of the team's biggest question marks down the road and a few candidates the Bengals can select this year to shore up the potential issues. 

Offensive Tackle

Offensive tackle might be the runaway favorite for the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round at this point thanks to a strong offseason.

With Andrew Whitworth not getting any younger and perhaps a candidate to kick inside soon if his level of play dips, a future blind-side protector is a must. Keep in mind right tackle Andre Smith enters 2015 off a season-ending injury, and it also happens to be a contract year.

La'el Collins, LSU

A mauler in the run game, La'el Collins is an ideal fit in Cincinnati thanks to his elite athleticism.

Collins won't suit up on the left side of the line anytime soon, but he's strong enough in all facets to make an impact as a run-blocker right away if asked. In fact, he might be the perfect replacement for Andre Smith if it comes right down to it.

Andrus Peat, Stanford

Andrus Peat hails from the offensive-lineman factory known as Stanford, so he's a great choice for the Bengals in the first round if they choose to address the future on the edges.

On the edges is right where Peat will stay at the next level, too, thanks to impressive athleticism and strong fundamentals already in place.

Jake Fisher, Oregon

While he's received a massive stock boost in recent weeks, Jake Fisher might be on the board when the Bengals walk to the podium in the first round.

It's not a tough sell if he is. Fisher has it all, meaning he can act as a backup swing tackle as a rookie and in time claim the starting gig on either side of the line.

Defenisve Tackle

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Defensive tackle is one of the most important positions for the Cincinnati Bengals to look at this offseason.

While the addition of Pat Sims helps, he's nothing more than a rotational solution to pair with Domata Peko. Names such as Brandon Thompson and Devon Still aren't locks to make the roster, and it's no sure thing Geno Atkins will ever be the same after a down year a season ago thanks to his recovering from an injury.

Malcom Brown, Texas

If the Bengals want to grab a prospect who is sure to encounter few issues providing a rush as a rookie, Malcom Brown is the way to go.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein explains in a bottom line why Brown is such an attractive target: "Penetrating big man who took a huge step forward as an NFL prospect in 2014. Brown has hand quickness and uses hands like an NFL starter. His instincts and feel off the snap help him to get into the backfield quickly."

Brown in a rotation before becoming an every-down starter later on writes itself.

Eddie Goldman, Florida State

While his stock isn't as high as it used to be, Florida State's Eddie Goldman is another strong option for the Bengals in the first couple of rounds.

Goldman can hold his own against the rush, and his quickness off the snap helps him penetrate up the middle when asked. The marriage of traits is what the coaching staff will look for if it decides to address the position.

Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma

The Bengals could always look for a space-eating tackle to shut down the run, though, in the process freeing themselves of a couple of veteran contracts.

At 6'5" and 329 pounds, Jordan Phillips fits the bill and has room to grow, as his biggest weakness out of college is consistency.

Wide Receiver

Matt York/Associated Press

At first glance, wideout isn't the biggest need in Cincinnati.

Look at the Bengals' postseason game for proof it is a position the team will address high in this draft, though. After A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, the team doesn't have anyone who can separate on a regular basis. It's a major problem given Cincinnati's offensive preferences.

Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

If the Bengals choose to take a wideout in the first couple of rounds, they don't figure to have a shot at the first three names on the board (Amari Cooper, Kevin White and DeVante Parker), nor do they figure to gamble on Dorial Green-Beckham.

At best, Arizona State's Jaelen Strong would be the pick at No. 21—which would be a steal.

Strong catches anything thrown his way, runs crisp routes and can create separation. As a fourth receiver, he's overkill for what the Bengals need and means they don't have to pay big cash when a guy after Green on the depth chart attempts to leave.

Breshad Perriman, UCF

A name such as Breshad Perriman can take the top off defenses on a regular basis.

Yes, he's fast, as Duval Sports captures:

"

Here it is! Breshad Perriman's 40 which was clocked between 4.22-4.27! #UCFproday #BuiltByUCF https://t.co/DLvLPRrMAu

— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) March 27, 2015"

Perriman is a tad one-dimensional, but in time, he can grow into much more with only one job as a rookie.

Nelson Agholor, USC

Remember Nelson Agholor?

He doesn't sniff prior draft-stock heights of old anymore, but he's still a sure-handed, sleek-routed wideout who can contribute in certain situations.

For the Bengals, Agholor would prove an upgrade behind the first three and give the team options down the road.

Safety

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Safety has been an odd position for the Cincinnati Bengals for years.

Reggie Nelson is a rock but beginning to age, and George Iloka broke out last year, but behind them rests just Shawn Williams, who the jury is still out on for now. With those details in mind, it only makes sense the front office would want to hit the position somewhat early.

Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss

If the Bengals want to grab a center fielder who can one day take over and switch seamlessly between the two safety spots, Cody Prewitt seems to be the guy.

While he won't blow anyone away with his hits, Prewitt has a nose for the football capable of producing plenty of turnovers.

Gerod Holliman, Louisville

Rinse and repeat the above for Gerod Holliman.

Well, except he whiffs on way too many tackles. Still, Holliman creates a major amount of turnovers. Pair the trait with smart deployment by the Bengals' coaching staff, and the marriage makes sense.

James Sample, Louisville

Holliman's former partner in crime wouldn't be a bad addition for the future, either.

For James Sample, it all comes down to experience, as Bleacher Report's Matt Miller notes:

"

James Sample is my kind of safety. Good size, hard hitter. He has to improve awareness with more experience.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 1, 2015"

Sample will get plenty of it as he waits to take over down the road.

Linebacker

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Yes, the Cincinnati Bengals did a great job of reinforcing the linebacking corps this offseason.

Emmanuel Lamur and Rey Maualuga are back, while A. J. Hawk is in the fold and figures to make an impact right away.

The problem is, the position continues to be marred with injuries, and the cloud of doubt surrounding Vontaze Burfict's future isn't helping things. There are a number of ways the Bengals could go in the first few rounds, even though it's not Marvin Lewis' M.O.

Shaq Thompson, Washington

The Bengals' coaching staff seems to love those players who blur the line between positions and are athletic enough to deploy in certain packages for specified roles.

It seems a lot for the Bengals to drop an early pick on a player who may occupy a Taylor Mays-esque role, but if the coaching staff believes Shaq Thompson can be groomed into something more, he's worth it.

Eric Kendricks, UCLA

Often knocked for his size (6'0", 232 lbs), it's not enough for the Bengals to outright dismiss Eric Kendricks in the first couple of rounds.

Kendricks has a wild motor able to overcome his size, can play the pass well and above all else has a high on-field IQ, making him a great field general. There's no such thing as too many of those.

Paul Dawson, TCU

Paul Dawson fell flat on his face at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the film suggests he's one of the better three-down linebackers in the class.

If the Bengals think so, it's hard to imagine they would refrain from pulling the trigger. There's a starting three in place already, but Marvin Lewis still doesn't have the three-down guy of his dreams and might continue searching.

Cornerback

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

No team with a handle on how to build a winning roster would stop taking cornerbacks somewhat high in drafts because two former first-round picks are already on the roster.

There are two young guys in place for the Cincinnati Bengals, but Leon Hall and Adam Jones are aging. Cincinnati taking a corner in the first three rounds wouldn't be the upset of the year by any means.

Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio)

The Bengals love their prospects who can line up at multiple spots, so local product Quinten Rollins makes some sense if the value is right.

Rollins will need time to learn the NFL game, but he seems a solid future corner or safety at the next level. Before helping to usher in a new era in the secondary, he could be a standout on special teams.

Jalen Collins, LSU

It will be hard for the Bengals to pass on an athlete such as Jalen Collins in the first two rounds of the draft. 

Not only is Collins a strong cover corner who fits well, he can provide an impact on returns while soaking up experience before taking over in a few years. 

Ronald Darby, Florida State

Then again, Ronald Darby might have an interesting allure after a wow-worthy number at Florida State's pro day, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport captures:

"

#FSU CB Ronald Darby stood on his 4.38 40, impressed in drills. Has workout/visit with #Bucs, #Panthers, #Colts, #Saints, #Jets & #Titans

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 31, 2015"

Darby can help right away if necessary, but he's a strong long-term prospect who rounds out a great starting trio in the future.

Defensive End

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Michael Johnson is back in the fold, but his return doesn't mean the Cincinnati Bengals will outright ignore the position on draft day.

In fact, if the team wants to provide insurance from another lackluster, injury-riddled campaign on the edges, it might roll the dice on a prospect in the first couple of rounds to help in a rotational capacity for now before moving on to bigger things in the future.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

There are past medical concerns with UCLA's Owamagbe Odighizuwa, but a healthy season in which he showed off his explosiveness and swift ability to get in backfields makes them hard to lean on as reasons to steer clear.

Odighizuwa is a pro-caliber rusher right off the bat and has the tools to be an every-down starter at the next level.

Danielle Hunter, LSU

While not the fastest off the line, Danielle Hunter would give the Bengals something not all of their rushers have—versatility.

Hunter might turn out to be a quality pro rusher from an upright position, meaning Marvin Lewis and Co. could fiddle with where he attacks from on each down.

Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State

Like it or not, Mario Edwards Jr. is going to fall on draft day.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein details what an AFC West scout told him at the combine: "I think conditioning and desire are a big problem for him, and they go hand in hand. He just looks content to stay blocked by lesser players, and it is so frustrating to watch because you know he has the talent to be so much better."

The Bengals love this sort of value out of a defensive end in, say, the second round. Edwards could be the best 4-3 rusher in the class if motivated, something the Bengals will be able to help with.

Tight End

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The plan to roll with two tight ends last year didn't pan out for the Cincinnati Bengals when Tyler Eifert went down with a season-ending injury in the first game of the season.

Now Jermaine Gresham is gone, and while he could wind up back with the team on a cheap deal after surgery, the Bengals may choose to splurge high in the draft at the position.

Maxx Williams, Minnesota

It seems a long shot, but the Bengals might see the value in adding the draft's top tight end, Maxx Williams.

Williams has great speed and sure hands, making him an instant contributor on an offense in need of a reliable presence if Eifert goes down again. A player such as Williams on the field with Eifert will give defenses worlds of problems, and don't forget about A.J. Green.

Clive Walford, Miami (Fla.)

Maybe the Bengals wait until the second round, which is nothing short of a good thing if Clive Walford is still on the board.

Underutilized in a big way at Miami, Walford is a huge target with sure hands who can create plays after the catch. As a complement to Eifert right out of the gates, Walford's impact would be hard to miss.

Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State

Say the Bengals pull a 180 and want to grab a great blocker instead of another pass-catcher, which is always possible. 

Perhaps no tight end in the class is better at this than Ohio State's Jeff Heuerman. He's a reliable target when it comes to moving the chains and in the red zone, too, but he's a consistent blocker who upgrades the unit as a whole.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of April 5 at 9 p.m. ET. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.