Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green's injuries last year highlighted the team's need for some talented pass-catchers behind him. With Green out of the lineup or nowhere near 100 percent, Cincy's offense sputtered and lacked any type of downfield passing game. Overall, the Bengals ranked just 25th in passing yards per game (221.9), 22nd in receiving touchdowns (20) and 24th in yards per reception (11.0).
That is why ESPN Bengals reporter Coley Harvey projects the Bengals to select USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor with the No. 21 overall pick in the draft.
"When this pick arrived, there were three options to consider: Agholor, OT Jake Fisher and OLB Randy Gregory. The Bengals like all three and have needs at each position. Gregory would have been a good addition as a 'Sam' linebacker rusher. But his questionable decision-making creates pause, even for a team that often gives players second chances. In Agholor, Cincinnati gets a fast, reliable, competitive receiver who has return ability. With the Bengals' top three receiver up for free agency next year, and concerns about Brandon Tate and free-agency acquisition Denarius Moore, drafting Agholor makes sense."
Agholor hauled in 104 passes for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. He ran an impressive 4.42 40-yard dash and would give quarterback Andy Dalton a secondary weapon to utilize. Dalton has come under fire for his lack of playoff success (0-4 in post-season games) recently. If the Bengals still believe he is the right man for the job in the long-term then providing him with more offense options will help him break through that post-season glass ceiling.
The Bengals have also been linked to offensive linemen such as Stanford's Andrus Peat. Both starting tackles (Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith) are set to become unrestricted free agents in 2016. Peat projects as one of the best left tackles in the draft thanks to good length and quickness.
The NFL Draft will begin this Thursday.
