Bengals Draft Preview: Defensive Line

Despite not trading up to get DT Sedrick Ellis in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Bengals still managed to upgrade the position (and add LB Keith Rivers) with 3rd rounder Pat Sims. Sims is the run stuffer the team has lacked for years and combined with Domata Peko, has provided the Bengals with their best defensive tackle combination since Tim Krumrie was playing (of course you could argue that isn't saying much). The team has also added Tank Johnson to the mix as a pass rusher and their is still hope 5th rounder Jason Shirley can contribute. While none of the previously mentioned players is pro bowl worthy, considering the depth at the position it would be a surprise if the team selects a defensive tackle earlier than the 5th round. BJ Raji would be a surprise 1st round pick but is worth the 6th overall slot.Despite investing heavily in up and coming pass rushers Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom, the Bengals pass rush remains one of the worst in the NFL. Depth behind Geather and Odom is extremely questionable as former 3rd rounder Frostee "No relation to the Snowman" Rucker has been a bust, Eric Henderson can't stay healthy and Jonathan Fanene is a try hard run stuffer whose greatest asset is his ability to play inside and out. As a result, of the team''s questionable defensive end talent an early DE selection is very possible on draft day. Multiple DE picks is very possible.DT:Late Round Sleepers (Rounds 5-7): Corvey Irvin, Clinton McDonald, Demonte Bolden, George HypoliteDE:Round 1 (6th overall): Brian Orakpo, Everette BrownRound 2: Larry English, Michael Johnson, Paul Kruger, Connor BarwinMid-Targets (Rounds 3-4): Brandon Williams, David Veikune, Lawrence SidburyLate Round Sleepers (Rounds 5-7): Stryker Sulak, Will Davis, Matt Shaughnessy, Maurice Evans, Nick ReedDefensive Tackle RankingsDefensive End Rankings