Analysis: There are more questions surrounding the linebacking corps than any other position group.
The biggest unknown, of course, is whether Vontaze Burfict will be able to play after undergoing offseason microfracture knee surgery. And if he does return, will he be the same?
How much does newcomer A.J. Hawk have left after nine productive seasons in Green Bay? Is Rey Maualuga moving into or out of his prime? Will Sean Porter ever be healthy? Can Jayson DiManche and Marquis Flowers continue to improve?
The Bengals believe more of those answers will be positive than negative, so unless one of the top four outside linebackers — Florida’s Dante Fowler, Nebraska’s Randy Gregory, Kentucky’s Bud Dupree or Clemson’s Vic Beasley — slips to them at 21, the team may not address the position until Saturday in Rounds 4-7.
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who was the linebackers coach before last year’s promotion, has done a great job of turning undrafted guys into productive players. Burfict, Lamur, Rey and DiManche all have played key roles for the Bengals after not hearing their names in the draft.
Since 2010, the team has drafted three linebackers (Flowers 2014, Porter 2013 and Dontay Moch 2011).
The Bengals have to be better at linebacker than they were last year if they want to make a playoff run, and they believe they already are thanks to the return of defensive end Michael Johnson.
The defensive line instantly got better when Johnson signed. And if that group can rediscover the pass rush that defined this defense from 2011-13, it will free up the linebackers to make more game-changing plays.
Needs: A need for speed trumps everything else when it comes to the linebackers. Maualuga is a solid, downhill run stuffer, and Lamur is decent in pass coverage and getting better, but the Bengals need a sideline-to-sideline, havoc-wreaking wildman a la Burfict.
And as is the case at most positions, the Bengals have to have an eye on the future, especially at middle linebacker with Maualuga entering the final year of his contract.
Whether they take an outside guy or inside guy first will say a lot about how confident the team is that Burfict can be a factor in 2015.
The Bengals haven’t selected two linebackers in the same draft since 2008.
Top 5 prospects
1 . Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
Fowler is an impressive pass rusher who has gotten by mostly on athleticism in college. Once an NFL team hones his technique, he’ll be a difference maker for years.
2. Vic Beasley, Clemson
Like Fowler, Beasley is better suited as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but the Bengals would love to see either fall to them, which isn’t likely. Beasley has a great mix of explosiveness and body control to be an elite edge rusher.
3. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
He’d be a top-five pick based on talent alone, but failing a drug test at the Combine signals one of two things to potential employers — lack of intelligence or a serious drug problem. How far he falls will be one of the intriguing storylines in Thursday’s first round.
4. Bud DuPree, Kentucky
Another the Bengals would take a long look at it if he unexpectedly falls. DuPree played all over the place at UK. Once he finds a regular spot in the NFL, he’ll be a game-wrecker for opposing offenses.
5. Eli Harrold, Virginia
Needs more work than the first four as he struggles to get off blocks. But when Harrold uses his quick burst to avoid solid initial contact, he’ll get to the ball whether it’s still in the quarterback’s hands or heading the other way in the arms of a running back.
Sleeper
Ramik Wilson, Georgia
He’s projected to go in the fourth round, and he’s from Georgia. What better fit could there be for a Bengals team that has taken UGA products Shawn Williams, Orson Charles, Clint Boling and Geno Atkins in the third or fourth rounds since 2010.
About the Author