(Sportsbooks) - Cincinnati had its problems defensively last season, then lost reliable players like linebacker Brian Simmons (released) and safety Kevin Kaesviharn (free agent to Saints) in the offseason. The Bengals need to get younger and find a playmaker or two in the secondary, and could use a sturdy run-stopping type at linebacker. The offense lost Kelley Washington to free agency and has a potential suspension for fellow wideout Chris Henry hanging over its head, so a new receiver could join the mix. But Cincinnati, a team that received a total of 35 catches and two touchdowns from its tight ends last year, could add a different offensive dimension by selecting a player like Miami-Florida's Greg Olsen at No. 18, perhaps mitigating the effect of the potential absence of Henry. 2006 Record: 8-8 First Pick: No. 18 Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7) RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - Johnathan Joseph (CB, South Carolina); 2005 - David Pollack (OLB, Georgia); 2004 - Chris Perry (RB, Michigan); 2003 - Carson Palmer (QB, Southern Cal); 2002 - Levi Jones (OT, Arizona State); 2001 - Justin Smith (DE, Missouri); 2000 - Peter Warrick (WR, Florida State); 1999 - Akili Smith (QB, Oregon); 1998 - Takeo Spikes (LB, Auburn), Brian Simmons (LB, North Carolina); 1997 - Reinard Wilson (DE, Florida State); 1996 - Willie Anderson (OT, Auburn); 1995 - Ki-Jana Carter (RB, Penn State); 1994 - Dan Wilkinson (DT, Ohio State); 1993 - John Copeland (DE, Alabama); 1992 - David Klingler (QB, Houston), Darryl Williams (S, Miami); 1991 - Alfred Williams (LB, Colorado); 1990 - James Francis (LB, Baylor). |
