The Cincinnati Bengals could draft some new talent in this year’s draft that could replace some familiar faces.
Taking a look at many of the mock drafts that are presented by many of the experts in the NFL world, there are many different positions that fans could see new faces starting in 2018.
Defensive end Michael Johnson will likely be the first casualty. Johnson has been rumored highly to be on the cut list heading into the 2018 season. Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer, feels the Cincinnati Bengals will take DE/OLB Harold Landry out of Boston College. Landry has received some rave reviews for his abilities to play not only EDGE but as also an inside linebacker. NFL.com compares him to a raw Vic Beasley. If the Cincinnati Bengals choose to select Landry with the 21st pick, or even a later round pick, he could easily take over for Michael Johnson.
All of the defensive tackles minus Geno Atkins, of course, are not safe. The Bengals need to add depth and even a new starter on the defensive line to pair with Atkins. Cincinnati is bringing in Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea for a visit. Vea is slated to go off the draft board much sooner than the Bengals pick.
Maybe, a potential move up? If the Bengals do make a splash and move up, it could be for a talent like Vea. Why else would they be bringing him in? Let’s take a look at the college visits that they have been attending, as well. The team sent scouts to Texas and word on the street they are interested in DT, Poona Ford. Marvin Lewis even attended Florida’s Pro Day and many have reported a strong interest in Taven Bryan. Defensive tackles Andrew Billings and Ryan Glasgow seem to be put on notice with all the talk and action circulating around interest in DT’s in the draft.
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Finally, the only safe positions on the offensive line should be Cordy Glenn and Clint Boling. Cordy Glenn was brought in to replace Cedric Ogbuehi. The fans, the experts, and hopefully the Bengals realize this draft needs to stockpile some talent on the offensive line. Ogbuehi will most likely be utilized somewhere else on the line. At the very least a back up through his rookie contract.
One report stated they could even try him at Center. Guard Bobby Hart was brought in from the New York Giants to battle Jake Fisher for the Guard spot opposite of Clint Boling. T.J. Johnson and Trey Hopkins are the two Centers on the roster. Thus the Cincinnati Bengals should pick James Daniels, Center from Iowa as Draftwire, Jacob Infante, projects.
If Daniels is not there at 21, they should select, Billy Price, Center from Ohio State as WalterFootball.com – Charlie Campbell has projected. This would leave Trey Hopkins and TJ Johnson either out or as a backup. Fans still do not know what Jake Fisher can bring after last years injury took him out for most of the season. Bobby Hart only started 7 games last year for the New York Giants and that doesn’t guarantee him a spot. With new offensive line coach, Frank Pollack, Cincinnati will see a whole new line in 2018. Casualties could definitely be Trey Hopkins, Christian Westerman, and even Fisher.
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In summary, fans could see the familiar faces of Michael Johnson, Trey Hopkins, and Andrew Billings all released heading into the 2018 season. All of which would likely be replaced by this year’s rookie class.