[More Cowbell]

3 backers and a number of defenive linemen in the top 32- no reason for the Bengals not to draft a number of defenders. However, most of those seem to be needs in the secondary, and there will be a number of solid linebackers in the first round, and a number of defensive linemen still around in later rounds. If there's a very good defensive end who's a great pass rusher, I might consider taking him in the first round.

Yes, the lack of a pass rush has realy hurt the Bengals this year. Their run defense will be better with a healthy Ahmad Brooks for the whole year, but the pass defense has suffered with having to start Bryan Robinson due to shifting Geathers to LB. Cincy needs to just let Justin Smith go and draft a good DE to start opposite Geathers next year. Then they can grab a solid DT, to eventually replace Thornton and start beside Peko.