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Ranking the Bengals’ top options with the No. 5 pick in the draft

By Aaron Burd

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Rashawn Slater (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Bengals’ draft option #4: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

This will come as a surprise to nobody, but the Bengals’ have an offensive line problem. While one draft pick alone won’t be enough to solve this issue, a top-five pick on the line would certainly help. If the top offensive tackle in the draft is gone when the Bengals are on the clock, Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater would be a great addition.

Slater would bring plenty of versatility to the Bengals’ offensive line. Whether it’s at tackle, guard, or even center, the Northwestern product could immediately be plugged into Frank Pollack’s offensive line and be an improvement over last year’s starters.

In 2019, Slater impressed against eventual No. 2 overall draft pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young. With that performance, he showed that he was not just dominating against lesser talent, but that he could stand up to the big-time talents and still perform.

While he may not be the flashiest player on the board, Slater would be a great pick for the Bengals and would be able to make an impact from day one. Do not be underwhelmed if the offensive tackle from Northwestern is the Bengals’ pick in the first round of the draft.