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The Bengals took a cornerback in the first round of the draft for the third time in the last five years when they took William Jackson with the 24th overall pick, a move that gives them an option in place in the event Dre Kirkpatrick leaves as a free agent after this season.

It also gives them an option in the event Kirkpatrick’s health is a problem again during the 2016 season. Kirkpatrick dealt with a shoulder injury for much of last season — he was initially injured in Week Three — and Coley Harvey of ESPN.com reports that he had surgery earlier this offseason to repair the problem.

Kirkpatrick, who also appeared on the injury report with a variety of lower body injuries, is still rehabbing after the procedure and is expected to be healthy enough to participate in OTAs when they begin later this month. He didn’t miss any games last season, but his play — which featured 70 tackles and 16 passes defensed — came in for some criticism over the season.

The Bengals re-signed Adam Jones this offseason and have 2014 first-round pick Darqueze Dennard on the roster at cornerback as well.