Bengals Draft Preview: Offensive Line

Coming off a season in which the Bengals allowed 51 sacks (3rd most in the league) and average just 3.6 yards per carry (30th in the league) it is easy to conclude the Bengals offensive line is its biggest off-season need. Adding to the troubles is the team's persistent failure to develop its offensive line talent as Bengals linemen have a strange tendency to regress after strong 1st (and sometimes 2nd) seasons. Center is the most glaring need on the offensive line as the team's centers have a combined 12 games of NFL action (0 starts) and Crummey is actually a player and not just a nickname to describe former center Eric Ghiaciuc. Speculation is the team will select a center in round 2 or 3 at the latest in a deep center class.The team has mentioned the possibility of entering the season with Andrew Whitworth and Anthony Collins at the tackle position and while it is possible it is definately not preferably which is why the Bengals selecting a tackle in round 1 is listed in nearly every mock draft. Should the team decide to move Whitworth to tackle it would create an equally large hole at left guard (not to mention a left tackle extremely vulnerable to speed rushers). Any way you look at it the Bengals need to get two starting offensive linemen in the draft with one of them being a center. As a result expect two lineman selected in the first three rounds with the possibility for a third lineman late on day two. By the way don't be surprised if the Bengals take Andre Smith even if Eugene Monroe is on the board as the team is rumored to really like Andre.Centers:2nd round targets: Alex Mack, Max Unger, Eric WoodMid-round target (3rd-4th round): Antoine Caldwell and Jonathan LuigsLater round sleepers(5th-7th round): Edwin Williams, AQ ShipleyGuards:Mid-round targets (3rd-4th round):Kraig Urbik, Andy Levitre, Trevor CanfieldLate Round Sleepers (5th-7th round): Jamie Thomas, Andy Kemp, Roger AllenTackles:1st round targets: Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith, Michael Oher2nd round targets: William Beatty, Jamon Meredith, Phil LoadholtMid-round targets (3rd-4th round): Fenuki Tepuo, Gerald Cadogan, TJ Lang, Sebastian VollmerLate Round Sleepers (5th-7th round): Cornelius Lewis, Garrett Reynolds, Alex Boone