Bengals Mock Draft and Poll: Malcom Brown or D.J. Humphries?

If there were odds on which position the Bengals will address in the first round, defensive tackle and offensive tackle would likely be the top two options.

The potential loss of both starting OTs in 2016 means addressing that position in the first round could have the greatest impact for Cincinnati, whether it's in 2015 or beyond. A guy like Florida OT D.J. Humphries could theoretically be drafted by the Bengals, and then watch and learn for a year before replacing either Andre Smith or Andrew Whitworth when they both become free agents in 2016.

That's the logic behind the latest mock draft from Don Banks of Sports Illustrated:

Either offensive line or defensive line seems a solid first-round bet in Cincy, and head coach Marvin Lewis in on record saying he doesn't want a first-round pick who has to play right away. With offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth eligible for free agency in 2016, finding his replacement now is the kind of move that smart, forward-thinking teams execute.

Next Best Available Option: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas.

There's a good chance both Humphries and Brown are on the board when Cincinnati is on the clock with pick No. 21. Brown is probably a safer pick, as the, 6-2, 320-pounder notched 70 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2014.

Brown could play both nose tackle and defensive tackle 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 isn't much depth behind him to begin with, and Domata Peko simply isn't a full-time nose tackle.

As for Humphries, he's a tremendous talent who only showed flashes of greatness at Florida. He'd be a bit of a reach at 21, but could have a bigger impact if he's thrust into a starting role next year, whereas Brown would split snaps with Peko at nose tackle while also getting some runs at three technique.