Cincinnati Bengals: 5 offseason needs

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Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Defensive Line Depth

The Cincinnati Bengals have two elite defensive linemen. Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are one of the NFL’s most potent duo in the trenches. However, the Bengals lost numerous games this season in the trenches, both on offense and defense. This shows a lack of depth on both sides. Cincinnati needs to get more out of their other defensive line members.

Atkins and Dunlap combined for 17 sacks, which is more than the rest of the team got combined (16). The Bengals’ poor record could be a blessing in disguise, as they are primed to select a pass rusher in the first or second round. Surrounding Atkins and Dunlap with the right guys will not only improve their depth, it will make their elite duo even more unstoppable.

By no means do the Cincinnati Bengals need to make a splash. They have their stars and the money would be better off spent elsewhere. Michael Johnson and Domata Peko weren’t good at pass rushing. But at least the former is a decent run stopper on the edge. Not ideal, but unless the Bengals know they can find one for cheaper, keeping him is the right move. However, the latter needs to go, as he’s not holding his own.

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