The Cincinnati Bengals worked out both Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro and defensive end Alex Okafor at the Longhorns' pro day on Tuesday, according to reports.
Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was working with Vaccaro, according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins.
Bengals DC Mike Zimmer working out Kenny Vaccaro during DB drills.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 26, 2013
According to Bryan Broaddus, a representative of the team was also working out Okafor along with representatives from the Steelers and Lions.
Bengals Lions and Steelers working out Okafor. Steelers have their linebacker coach here.
— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) March 26, 2013
Vaccaro is considered the best safety in this year's draft class and could fit in nicely with the Bengals at strong safety, starting alongside Reggie Nelson. The Bengals have attempted to fill the strong safety position with players like Taylor Mays and Chris Crocker over the past couple seasons, but a new safety like Vaccaro could really shore up the secondary, both in run support and pass defense.
Their interest in Okafor could come from the fact that both Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap are set to become free agents following the 2013 season. The Bengals used their franchise tag on Johnson to keep him around for the upcoming season and said they are still working on coming to an agreement for a long-term deal, but if they can't, they'll likely lose either he or Dunlap as they may only have enough to re-sign one of them along with extending the contracts of players like Geno Atkins, A.J. Green and Andy Dalton.
The draft is just 30 days away and the Bengals have four picks in the first three rounds. Most believe they're looking for a safety, a running back, a linebacker, and depth on the defensive line as well as at cornerback.