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Cincinnati Bengals: Top 5 Draft Needs

matthewwillson
Jul 31, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of a Cincinnati Bengals helmet during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of a Cincinnati Bengals helmet during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jordan Lomax (27) intercepts a pass during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 31-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jordan Lomax (27) intercepts a pass during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 31-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

The best case scenario is that the Bengals re-sign Reggie Nelson and George Iloka. Even in this scenario, Nelson is 32 years old and his days in the NFL are numbered. The need for a top end safety however is not immediate, especially with Williams still in the rotation, he would easily be the first line in case they can only get one signed. So they can develop a young talent, who might be a day three pick.

In the same Bengals mock draft that was sited earlier, Connor has the Bengals waiting until the seventh round to pick up the younger brother of George Iloka, Kenny Iloka out of TCU. Although a fun thought, a player like Jordan Lomax out of Iowa could be a solid option for the Bengals. He is a 5th round to 6th round draft prospect who was a 2 year starter at Iowa and saw action in all four eligible years. He has played at both corner and safety so he has versatility for depth reasons.

He would have some time to develop but could be rotated in if an injury popped up and be a solid defensive back and over the top. He has helped lead the secondary with 93 combined tackles, one interception, and five pass deflection in the best season the Hawkeye’s have had in 10 years, including a Big Ten West division title.

The Bengals will have a lot of decisions to make between now and April 28th. They will see some free agents leave and most likely sign a couple from outside to help fill in a few gaps. Overall, they should only have a few immediate needs and be able to focus on some future and depth needs as well.

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