National Football League

Cincinnati Bengals draft preview: Lewis looks to beef up the pass rush

Published Apr. 12, 2015 12:48 p.m. ET

Ross Jones

The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

Marvin Lewis' defense struggled to get to the quarterback a season ago. Boosting the Cincinnati Bengals' pass rush should be the team's priority.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther has the luxury of getting back defensive end Michael Johnson, as he returns a year after hitting free agency. Johnson had a subpar season in Tampa Bay and was released last month. The pass-rushing specialist will likely start opposite role player Wallace Gilberry, who is entering the final year of his deal. With defensive tackle Geno Atkins still looking to regain form, the Bengals might want to find an upgrade over Domata Peko, who has been exposed in the running game in recent years.

The offense could also stand to get better in the trenches. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson will look to employ the run game even more this season with Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. In doing so, the line could get tougher at the point of attack. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth, while playing at an elite level, is nearing 34 and right tackle Andre Smith is entering the final year of his deal. Expect the offensive line to be addressed early.

Positions of need: NT, DE, OT

Three options to consider at No. 21

Andrus Peat, OT: Adding Peat could significantly improve the entire offense. This 6-foot-7, 313-pound behemoth has been well-coached and is one of the most pro-ready linemen in the draft. By adding Peat at right tackle, the Bengals would be able to give Bernard/Jackson some more room to run.

Arik Armstead, DT: While Armstead is extremely raw, he's very young and athletic, standing 6-foot-7, 290 pounds. Armstread is quick twitched and explodes off the ball.

Malcom Brown, DT: The 6-foot-2, 320-pound run stuffer has some scheme flexibility and could play all over the line in Guenther's defense. With Atkins taking another step forward since tearing his ACL two years ago, adding Brown would be great value and instantly make this defense much more difficult to push around.