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The Cincinnati Bengals could be targeting a defensive lineman with the 21st-overall pick in this year's draft.
That explains their possible interest in Malcolm Brown, who defensive line coach Jay Hayes (not Joe Hayes) was on hand to work with at Texas Pro Day:
Texas DT Malcom Brown working out for DL coaches of Lions, Colts, Bengals pic.twitter.com/KOSfwhBWhx
— Max Olson (@max_olson) March 24, 2015
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The Bengals defense struggled this year in large part because of the defensive line, and nose tackle was arguably the biggest weakness on the entire team.
The 6-2, 320-pound Brown could play both NT and DT in a 4-3 front, and the Bengals need more production from both spots. While the hope is Geno Atkins will get back to form in 2015, there wasn't much behind him to begin with, and Domata Peko simply isn't a full-time NT.
Brown, a first-team All-American and finalist for the Outland and Nagurski trophies this past season, registered 70 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles. Putting him alongside Michael Johnson, Atkins and Carlos Dunlap would make for a formidable defensive line.