2011 NFL Mock Draft: The 5 Prospects the Bengals Should Target At No. 4 Overall

The Bengals have several areas that need to be upgraded and this is not the season—I repeat—not the season to draft Carson Palmer's replacement.  

Too many character issues surround Cam Newton and the Bengals need to start off by looking at the needs that could get the team to the next level in 2011 (yes! this is possible!).

The Bengals need to stick with their drafting strength and look to start off with drafting either a defensive end, defensive tackle or offensive lineman (sorry Andre, it just is not working out).

Focusing on the following will build a successful team:

1. A penetrating defensive line that sacks the quarterback every game (and hits them plenty as well)

2. A protective offensive line which gives the quarterback time to breathe and throw the ball at will

3. A progressive offensive line which pushes forward for the running game to move up the field

Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The ideal upgrade (and solidification) of the defensive unit.

Coming off of a 2010 with 67 tackles (41 solo, 26 assisted), 16 sacks, one forced fumble, and oneinterception, Bowers is the top pick of Scouts Inc. and would be the ideal addition to the Bengals in 2011.

Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers sacks Marvin Johnson #1 of the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter of the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona.

Fairley was explosive in 2010 with 13 sacks—including one in the national championship game.  

Big bodied and quick off the blocks, Nick would add to the increasing pass rush that the Bengals need to establish in getting back to basics on defense.

Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Strong leader with a difficult life, Marcell has shown durability and stayed away from injuries over the course of his career.

 He has the makings of a great player in that he is explosive and has room to grow.

Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado

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BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Educated, intelligent, and overall dedication mark Nate's personality.  

Lack of injury and great conditioning display a physical regime which the Bengals would sorely benefit from—in contrast to Andre Smith—in upgrading the line.

Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

Carimi is a big tackle who will need to stay well conditioned with suspect knees. Still, he is well disciplined and ready to protect his quarterback.

Wisconsin benefited from Gabe's ability to adjust.

Additionally, Carimi is good for the run in that he is good at pushing defensive linemen in the opposite direction.