The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off of a surprise division title in 2009, and went into the draft looking to upgrade the offense. While Cedric Benson had a tremendous season, the passing game suffered, and it was a priority to upgrade the weapons for Carson Palmer.
The selection of Jermaine Gresham did just that. He poses a matchup nightmare for defenders, and gives the Bengals a legitimate red zone threat. In the second round Cincinnati addressed their pass rush by taking Carlos Dunlap. Antwan Odom is coming off of an Achilles injury, and the rap against Dunlap is that he doesn't play with a high motor. But the same thing was said about Michael Johnson last season, and he provided plenty of pass rush for the Bengals in his rookie season in 2009.
Wide receiver was an offseason issue, and the signings of Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones didn't stop Cincinnati from adding in the draft. Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe look to provide depth as slot receivers to take the pressure off the guys on the outside.
A sleeper pick looks to be Reggie Stephens, a guard/center taken in the 7th round. An All-Big 12 selection, he is versatile and at 330 pounds has the size to possibly move into the right guard position upon the retirement of Bobbie Williams.
Draft Grade: B+
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