Linebacker.

It's a position of need, largely based on several factors with free agency being first and foremost. Rey Maualuga, Thomas Howard, Manny Lawson and Dan Skuta could leave. They could return. Either way the position is of need.

Picking No. 21 in the 2013 NFL Draft, SB Nation's Mocking the Draft has Cincinnati selecting linebacker Arthur Brown out of Kansas State.

With all of the top pass rushers off the board, the Bengals could try and address the inside linebacker spot. Arthur Brown is the complete package an inside linebacker. He may be small, but he doesn't play small, shedding blocks with ease and using his terrific play recognition to fill lanes in the running game. He's also a tremendous cover man with fluid hips in the open field.

It does seem that the early target for the offseason will be linebacker -- either re-signing our own, free agency or the NFL draft.

Regardless the Bengals are now locked into the No. 21 slot in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.