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Defensive tackle might be one of the most underrated areas of need for the Bengals heading into this year's draft. Without any particular areas that they are absolutely desperate to improve, they have the luxury of looking to the future at this position, rather than scrambling to fill a need somewhere else.
Geno Atkins is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and Domata Peko has generally been a good complement on the line. However, Peko will be 32-years-old in November. Brandon Thompson, Marcus Hardison, and DeShawn Williams don't look ready to take over starting duties, and Thompson will likely start the year off on the PUP list, so investing in talented youth at this position seems like a smart move.
Check out these highlight videos that we've compiled for each of the top 10 defensive tackle prospects. Consider it a sneak preview for what might be in store for the Bengals in the near future:
No. 1 Sheldon Rankins
No. 2 A'Shawn Robinson
Read Robinson's draft profile here.
No. 3 Jarran Reed
The Bengals attended Reed and Robinson's pro day. You can check out Reed's draft profile here.
No. 4 Robert Nkemdiche
No. 5 Vernon Butler
The Bengals worked him out back in March, and he'll probably be available at No. 24. Read his draft profile here.
No. 6 Andrew Billings
No. 7 Kenny Clark
The Bengals might have their eyes on Clark as they attended his Pro Day.
No. 8 Chris Jones
Jones personally met with the Bengals earlier this week and they also attended his Pro Day at Mississippi State.
No. 9 Austin Johnson
The Bengals attended Johnson's Pro Day.
No. 10 Hassan Ridgeway
The Bengals attended Ridgeway's Pro Day at Texas.