The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 24 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft after making the playoffs. The Bengals lost in the first round, but are still within their Super Bowl window. Adding a player who can contribute is a must in the draft. However, drafting a bust early could cause them to take a step back next year. With that in mind, here are three players the Bengals need to avoid in the first round:
3. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville Cardinals
The Bengals need a defensive tackle to replace Domata Peko and Rankins is worthy of a first round pick. However, Rankins shouldn't be the Bengals' choice. The team needs a bigger defensive tackle to pair with Geno Atkins and Rankins' isn't big enough to fill that role. The Bengals are better off targeting someone like Alabama's Jarran Reed and A'Shawn Robinson or Baylor's Andrew Billings.
2. Noah Spence, LB, Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Spence has talent, that much if for sure. However, his off-the-field issues are cause for serious concern. Spence was banned from the Big Ten after repeated failed drug tests, as he had a problem with Ecstasy. He reportedly didn't interview well at the Combine, a less-than-promising sign for a player with red flags. The Bengals already have too many of these players on their roster - they don't need another.
1. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor Bears
The Bengals are in the market for a wideout after losing Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency, but Coleman isn't the answer.
He won the Bilentikoff Award given to the best college wide receiver in the country last season, but there's reason to think Coleman won't be as successful in the NFL. His toughness and competitiveness should keep him in a league for a relatively long time, yet he won't live up to his projected first-round draft status. He lacks ideal size at 5'11" and 194 lbs, is known to struggle with drops from time to time, and doesn't have an advanced route tree. Plus, receviers from Baylor head coach Art Briles' system has struggled with the transition to the NFL.
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