2011 NFL Draft: Who Could Be Carson Palmer's Replacement in Cincy?

The entire offseason in Cincinnati has been centered on Carson Palmer. Will he be back? Palmer has threatened retirement on multiple occasions if he isn’t traded or released. Owner Mike Brown has remained adamant that Palmer isn’t going anywhere.

Palmer seems serious about his claims and Cincinnati would be best to move on from Palmer. If your QB isn’t committed then it is time for a change. Palmer hasn’t exactly been lights out the past few seasons anyway.

Granting Palmer his request would leave Cincinnati with Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour as the only QBs on the roster. And it is arguable neither of those two belong on a roster period.

Much of Cincinnati’s disappointing 2010 season focused on the antics of diva WRs Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. While both produced, it is unlikely they will be back, especially Owens. Cincinnati does have some young talent at WR but not a clear No. 1 option.

The Bengals have one of the finer CB tandems in football but Johnathan Joseph is a free agent and Leon Hall will be in 2012. Do the Bengals possibly go with Patrick Peterson, if available to solidify the CB position?

Carlos Dunlap was a second-round steal in 2010. Dunlap recorded 9.5 sacks as a rookie and looks like a force for years to come. Cincinnati lacks consistency from the other DE spot and could look to upgrade.

What are the Bengals top three needs?

Quarterback

Carson Palmer’s days in Cincinnati are over. With Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton as the top QBs in this draft, does Cincinnati take one of them, if available with the fourth selection?

Cincinnati cannot and will not start the 2011 season with Jordan Palmer or LeFevour as the starter. Cincinnati will likely look for a veteran starter once (if) free agency begins.

Cincinnati could look to the early second round to find their QB of the future. Players such as Jake Locker, Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick and Ryan Mallett could all be possibilities. The Bengals could even move back into the first round to select one of these guys.

Wide Receiver

Terrell Owens is already gone and Chad Ochocinco appears to be right behind him. Marvin Lewis has finally grown tired of his antics and would like a fresh start.

Cincinnati has Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson. All three have shown promise in their short careers but none of them appear to be a legitimate No. 1 WR.

The good news for the Bengals they will likely have both of the top WRs to choose from. A.J. Green of Georgia and Julio Jones of Alabama both look like surefire stars in the NFL. Green is the quintessential deep threat with excellent body control, runs smooth routes and has elite hands.

Jones is a fine blocker, breaks tackles and has shown the ability to take any catch to the house.

If Cincinnati decides not to pick a WR there could appear to be options throughout the first few rounds but none with the talent of Green and Jones. Jon Baldwin of Pittsburgh has the talent to be a star and fits the profile of players Cincinnati usually goes after. He should be available in the second round.

Defensive End

While Carlos Dunlap appears to be star in the making, Cincinnati has gotten little from the other side. Michael Johnson, a third-year pro from Georgia Tech appears to have the talent, but not the consistency.

Veteran Antwan Odom was dominant in the early stages of 2009 but injuries and a drug-induced suspension have since slowed him down.

Robert Quinn of North Carolina and Da’Quan Bowers of Clemson could be options for the Bengals. Bowers stock has slipped due to injury concerns but Quinn’s stock continues to rise.

Palmer’s impending defection leaves a serious void for Cincinnati at QB. But if the Bengals don’t believe Newton or Gabbert is worth the fourth overall selection, then it would be wise to go in another direction. The last thing the Bengals need is to take a guy they do not believe in.

Look for Cincinnati to take one of the WRs, most likely Green, and then start looking at one of the second-tier QBs.