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2015 NFL Draft: Dates, Times, TV Info, and Bengals “Catch Up” Information

By David Petrocelli

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This year’s NFL Draft takes place in Chicago and should be the usual exciting affair. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s NFL draft should continue to be the perennial affair it’s been know to be.  It’s an exciting look into the league’s future will getting in-depth analysis on those future faces of the NFL.  It’s also an opportunity for fans of every team to get a look at how their team will approach their future.

Stripe Hype wanted to make things easier for readers and fans by offering them the information they need to be there for the excitement.  Whether it’s times, television, or live streaming information you need, it can be found below.

Being the Bengals fans that we are, we also offer a round up of much of the insight you need to know regarding how the team will approach this year’s draft and they players they may end up investing in.

NFL Draft Information

Dates and Times

Thursday, April 30: 8:00pm ET [Round One]

Friday, May 1: 7:00pm ET [Rounds Two and Three]

Saturday, May 2: 12:00pm ET [Rounds Four through Seven]

Television

ESPN and NFL Network

Live Stream Links

NFL.com, Watch ESPN

Cincinnati Bengals 2015 Draft Information

Over the past few seasons, Cincinnati has established itself as one of the better drafting in the NFL.  They started their complete overhaul in 2011 drafting WR A.J. Green, G Clint Boling, and QB Andy Dalton.  2012 was especially productive as the team acquired CB Dre Kirkpatrick, G Kevin Zeitler, WR Mohamed Sanu, WR Marvin Jones, and S George Iloka.  The 2013 draft saw the team invest in TE Tyler Eifert, RB Giovani Bernard, and promising safety Shawn Williams.  And finally, last year, the Bengals acquired CB Darqueze Dennard, RB Jeremy Hill, C Russell Bodine, and WR James Wright.  That list of investments represents a solid four-year stretch by most standards.

Across this offseason, Stripe Hype has discussed the Bengals best options for 2015 based on their immediate needs, ensuring their future success, and expressions of interest.  With regards to the first round, this could mean staying with their current nine selections (21, 53, 85, 99, 120, 135, 157, 197, 238) or they could opt to trade down in the first, considering they will likely employ the “best player available” approach, to add an additional selection(s). Continuing our first round analysis, we’ve offered readers a list of the Bengals’ ten most likely first round selections.

Beyond the first round, we’ve taken the time to discuss some of the Bengals’ best options in  the subsequent rounds.  There are some interesting fourth round options (given the Bengals past success in this round) out there, some promising late round prospects, and, considering every round, we took the time to develop a seven-round mock draft.  We’ve even considered the Bengals’ wants versus needs for those who have a strong opinion on which strategy the Bengals should employ.

Then there are the position specific discussions.  This offseason the Bengals have clearly considered drafting a quarterback early, yet some late round options must be considered.

As for weapons, Cincinnati will need to invest in more than one.  The Bengals could certainly benefit from investing in a wide receiver early in the draft, but we also identified a couple of late round prospects in case the Bengals “double dip” in the wide receiver pool.

The Bengals also need a wide receiver.  Unfortunately this draft class isn’t loaded with great tight ends.  Other than Minnesota’s Maxx Williams and Miami’s Clive Walford (who’d be a nice fit for the Bengals), most prospects are middle to late round value guys.  Luckily, we’ve identified some great targets.

The offensive line is also a huge area of need that should be addressed during the draft.  Everyone knows how well the Bengals would do if they were to score Andrus Peat, but what about another versatile option?  They Bengals must also look for another center who can provide insurance behind Russell Bodine, or replace him if he fails to develop.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals will have some difficult decisions to make.  The defensive line could use some help, but after re-acquiring Michael Johnson, do the Bengals really need a defensive end? Unless an incredible talent severely drops in the draft, Cincinnati won’t likely be investing in a defensive end. Although they invested in Pat Sims, the Bengals could still use some help at defensive tackle, but because they have so many players under contract, a late round defensive tackle is the most likely scenario to address the position.

Linebacker is a totally different story for the Bengals in the upcoming draft.  The team would benefit from a speed rusher, though they may already have a rusher on the roster.  Addressing middle linebacker is vital and we’ve addressed two options (option one and option two) for this year’s draft.

Finally, considering the Bengals belief that you can never have enough quality defensive backs, it’s likely they invest in yet another (or two) this year to complete their secondary.  We’ve identified one cornerback who’d fit the Bengals extremely well, and another hybrid defensive back who could be the Bengals next reclamation project. As for the safety core, the Bengals will need to have options while they decide how they’ll proceed based on their current veterans.

Hopefully Stripe Hype has provided you the kind of information that prepares you properly for this year’s draft.  Stay with us throughout the draft process as we find out whom the Bengals actually invest to ensure the future of the franchise.

Next: NFL Draft: How the Bengals Can Complete Their Secondary

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