Adam Caplan's Post Draft Review/Future Outlook On The Cincinnati Bengals

That's right. People continue offering draft grades from the 2012 NFL draft. It's fine. We love validation of our team's awesomeness. We thrive on it. But sometimes a long-term exploration with the implication of a team's draft class takes time. NFL Insider Adam Caplan released his final draft grade for Cincinnati, giving the team an "A-". But it's not the act of grades that interest us, rather the reasoning behind the grade.

Caplan offers an analysis on each pick and how it impacts that position.

Depth on the interior of the defensive line was a clear priority for the Bengals, so addressed that issue with the selection of DT Devin Still in the second round. Still, according to personnel sources, displayed enough talent on tape to warrant a late-round selection, so the Bengals potentially got a good value with him. Still, who often flashes big play ability on tape, was a bit inconsistent, which could explain why he dropped out of the first round.

Another position which needed to be addressed was at wide receiver. And the Bengals addressed it with the selection of Mohamed Sanu in the third round. A favorite of the scouting community due to his solid route running and good hands, Sanu’s game resembles that of veteran WR Anquan Boldin. After selecting Still, the depth issue at defensive tackle was seemingly addressed, but the Bengals didn’t stop there with the position. They selected DT Brandon Thompson with their next third-rounder. Thompson is known in scouting circles for his good short area quickness and strength. And the Bengals got a player here who clearly could start down the road.