Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Keys to the Offseason

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Helping The Secondary

The secondary will be taking the biggest hit this offseason if the Bengals fail to resign players such as Reggie Nelson, Adam “Pacman” Jones, George Iloka, and Leon Hall. This was the core that finished third in the league in interceptions.

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Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) reacts to a missed field goal by the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

With the cornerback position being as deep as it is in the draft, it is crucial to find someone who will keep the secondary at the top of its game. With guys like Eli Apple, Kendall Fuller, Von Bell, and Darian Thompson likely to fall to the Bengals, it would be a good idea to grab the best available with the 24th pick. If Nelson or Iloka don’t resign, Thompson would be a very good fit in this defense. He reminds me of a Ed Reed type safety, where he plays with great instincts, can cover over the top and still come up to make plays underneath. He played very well at the senior bowl, and impressed scouts enough to maybe put him in the bottom of the first round.

If they decide to travel the free agency path, a name like Casey Hayward could pop up if the Green Bay Packers decide to let Hayward walk. Hayward played the best football of his career the last 3 or 4 games of the season, and made a couple big plays in the playoffs. Hayward showed the ability to be a top corner in the league his rookie season, but his inconsistency will cause him to be paid as a second tier guy.