The Cincinnati Bengals have two first round picks in the 2012 NFL Draft so they have a ton of options in the first round, whether that's packaging the picks together to move up or stay put. SB Nation's Bengals blog, Cincy Jungle, pinpoints three major needs for the Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Bengals NFL Draft Needs: Cornerback, Guard Lead The List
Cornerback: The Bengals are still searching to replace the talent-heavy Johnathan Joseph, who left Cincinnati for the Houston Texans just before last year’s training camp. Though they’ve signed Nate Clements, Adam Jones and Jason Allen in the past two seasons, none offer talent-rich, long-term solutions.
Guard: Last year’s starting guards Nate Livings (Dallas Cowboys) and Mike McGlynn (Indianapolis Colts) signed with new teams, while mainstay Bobbie Williams remains unsigned in free agency. Though they signed Carolina Panthers guard Travelle Wharton to a three-year deal, the team only has an additional two guards (Clint Boling, Otis Hudson) signed into 2012 with a combined experience of 172 offensive snaps (all from Boling).
Linebacker: Starting middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, entering the final year under contract, could be facing a suspension. Keith Rivers’ season last year was a wash with a mysterious wrist condition, justifiably concluding that he could be released with an injury settlement. Backup linebackers Roddrick Muckelroy and rookie Dontay Moch combined for zero games played while Muckelroy, entering his third season, has three snaps on defense in his career.
Other needs that could be addressed, largely after the first round includes running back, safety, defensive tackle and another offensive lineman or two.
For more news and notes on the Cincinnati Bengals, visit Cincy Jungle. Check out SB Nation's 2012 NFL mock draft as selected by NFL bloggers. And make sure to visit SB Nation's draft blog, Mocking The Draft, for more on the NFL Draft.
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