Defensive Line- Potential High Priced Upgrades for the defense
Jason Pierre-Paul (DE) – New York Giants
The Cincinnati Bengals could address their pass rushing need in the draft but they may pass on that and bring in Jason Pierre-Paul from the New York Giants that can play opposite of Carlos Dunlap. This is a pretty big need as Michael Johnson is getting older and more production in sack totals other than Dunlap and Geno Atkins on that defensive line. JPP fits the mold of a taller, longer defensive end that they prefer and would be a formidable duo at defensive end. While this may not happen as it could cost some to get him, it would be a great fit if Mike Brown was willing to spend some money in free agency.
Dontari Poe (NT) – Kansas City Chiefs
If the Cincinnati Bengals want to move on from Domata Peko at nose tackle, Dontari Poe from the Kansas City Chiefs can be a nice upgrade and be that big body guy to stop the run. A duo of Geno Atkins and Dontari Poe could lead to one of the best defensive lines in 2017.
The Bengals may not be willing to pay big money for Poe due to wanting Andrew Billings to step in after a year getting injured in 2016. Billings, a former 4th round pick from Baylor in the 2016 NFL Draft, was considered a Day 1 or 2 defensive tackle prospect as a nose tackle but questionable and limited impact as a true nose tackle for all 3 downs and some injury concerns caused him to fall till Day 3 of the 2016 NFL Draft. While he was considered a major steal in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Bengals may see him as a rotational player as they may not be comfortable with him starting to replace Peko if he not resigned.
[Sean2]