Bengals defensive line coach, Jay Hayes, attended Temple's Pro Day scouting defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt.
ESPN's Draft Tracker ranks Wilkerson as the fifth best defensive end prospect with above average to exceptional grades across the board. Size and pass rush skills. Exceptional. Against the run, instincts, motor, versatility and durability are above average. Wilkerson posted 9.5 quarterback sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his final year with seven quarterback sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss for the Owls in 2009.
Consistently fires off the ball and gets into the pads of OL. Strong at point of attack. Can stack and shed as well as any five-technique in this class. Has great size with good lower-body strength and excellent upper body power. Can anchor versus the run but is also very adept at finding the ball, disengaging, pursuing and making the play.
It would seem unlikely that the Bengals would draft Wilkerson, who Brandt projects as a late first to early second round pick. There's no doubt based on performances in 2010 that the team could use more fresh blood behind Geno Atkins, Pat Sims, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson. But there's also other positions on the team that are simply in dire need to be addressed. But that doesn't mean the Bengals won't draft a defensive lineman at some point in the draft.