2015 NFL Draft: Bengals’ Late Round Defensive Tackle Options

Sep 13, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman Marcus Hardison (1) reacts after sacking Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (not pictured) during the first half at Folsom Field . Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals currently have five defensive tackles under contract: Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, Brandon Thompson, Devon Still, and Kwame Geathers. Each player has a unique skill set, so the responsibilities of the position are pretty well covered while the necessary depth potentially exists.

Because of this, the Bengals may choose to forego selecting a tackle in the early rounds of the upcoming draft. Luckily this year’s class of defensive tackles is deep, incredibly deep.  This works to the benefit of the Bengals who could still benefit from improvement at the position.  It would help Atkins fully come back from his ACL tear, while benefitting the defensive ends and linebackers when trying to do their respective jobs.

If in fact the Bengals feel confident in what they already have at the position, foregoing a tackle early is very possible.  And with that outcome potentially proving true, it seems only appropriate to explore some of the draft’s later options at defensive tackle.  Here’s a look at some tackles that would fit the Bengals well.

Next: How About an Highly Versatile Lineman?