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Bengals targeting premier pass-rusher Pierre-Paul

AP Photo South Florida's Jason Pierre-Paul runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 1, 2010.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Carlos “Big C” Holmes, Staff Writer Updated 8:20 AM Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Cincinnati Bengals are in prime position to take the best available player with the 21st overall pick in this month’s NFL draft. Although there are some areas on offense that need addressed, the team is expected to take an aggressive approach to improve its defense. The team believes in the philosophy that the best offense is often a good defense.

With that in mind, one prospect the Bengals are targeting in the first round is South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and defensive line coach Jay Hayes were present at South Florida’s Pro Day on Tuesday, March 30. Apparently, the two were so impressed with Pierre-Paul’s performance that two days later he traveled to Cincinnati for a visit with the team.

“The visit went well,” Pierre-Paul said early this week. “I can definitely see myself playing for the Bengals. I love the style of defense they play and could do a lot of things in it. I could rush the passer or stand up and play outside linebacker in their scheme. My game would be ridiculous in that defense.”

Pierre-Paul is a consensus top-15 pick and falling to the Bengals at No. 21 would be an unexpected gift. The Buffalo Bills own the ninth overall pick and brought the player in for a visit on Monday.

The Bengals are looking to improve their pass-rush from a year ago. Defensive ends Jonathan Fanene, Robert Geathers, Antwan Odom, Frostee Rucker and Michael Johnson provide the team with solid depth at the end position. But none of them is considered a premier pass-rusher. Could Pierre-Paul be that man?

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Pierre-Paul is a raw talent, having played one year of Division-I football. However, he’s a relentless pass-rusher with incredible upside. Many scouts view him as the total package from a physical standpoint and pass-rushing perspective. He is being compared to Jevon Kearse.

Despite all the good qualities that the player possesses, teams have their reservations.

“Teams are doubting me because I only played one year of D-I football,” Pierre-Paul said. “I don’t care if I never played in the division. I know how to play football. Whatever team drafts me is going to get a great player. They say that I’m still learning the game, but I’m just going to continue to play like I know how and learn more of it as I go. I’ll say this: whatever team gets me will get the best of Pierre-Paul.”

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