Cincinnati Bengals Position Report: Defensive Tackle

We're taking a brief look at every position this weekend, breaking down the roster at this point in the offseason.

Position Report: Defensive Tackle
Roster (4): Domata Peko, Geno Atkins, Pat Sims, Nick Hayden

With a defensive tackle like Geno Atkins, it's hard not to be pumped about this team's pass rushing prospects. He led the defense in quarterback sacks last year, accumulating 10.5 during his intensely productive two-year career. It's not just the sacks either. It's the 47 career quarterback pressures and 16 hits on the quarterback, often leading to disruption and/or a benefit for another pass rusher.

When the Bengals re-signed Pat Sims during free agency, reuniting with Domata Peko, it solidified the defensive front against the run. There's talent there. Strong talent for any situation, with Geno Atkins rushing the quarterback and Peko and Sims holding their own against the run. But they're still somewhat short-handed.

There's conjecture that someone like Jamaal Anderson could step into the "Jonathan Fanene" role, or perhaps an unsigned free agent that the team is reportedly interested in. Regardless the team could use someone that's slightly more balanced, good against the run with a good pass rush.

Draft Projection: The Bengals reportedly hosted LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers on Friday, but it could be nothing more than an exploratory visit. However there is a sense that the depth chart still needs some work, especially considering the team's failed overtures toward Amobi Okoye, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday night. Draft a defensive tackle in the first three rounds? Possibly. Draft someone at some point during the weekend? Probably.