Pass rushing is a need for the Cincinnati Bengals on the defensive line, but the interior portion is the stronger half right now.

All-Pro Geno Atkins is back and figures to continue to be a premier pass rushing interior lineman. He’s already garnered 52 sacks over his seven-year career and elevates the play of the other defensive tackle on the field at the same time, due to double teams by opposing offensive lines.

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It’s an open competition for the starting position next to him, as long-time Bengal Domata Peko signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason. He spent 11 years with Cincinnati, but his play was less than inspiring in 2016. It was time to move on.

Andrew Billings and Marcus Hardison are unproven commodities that will compete to start along side Atkins in training camp. Neither has seen playing time due to injuries and playing behind Peko, but they both were drafted to potentially replace him one day. Pat Sims and DeShawn Williams are also on the team to provide depth to the rotation.

The Bengals will likely not need to add a run-stuffing interior lineman in the NFL Draft. But they could add a prospect who could improve the pass rush from the inside.

Alabama’s Jonathan Allen could be available at ninth overall and his versatility on the defensive line is something Cincinnati could use. His pass rushing skills are already elite and he can play inside or outside. The 2016 Chuck Bednarik & Bronco Nagurski award winner can make a Week 1 impact for the Bengals, who are sorely in need of help getting after the quarterback.

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Auburn’s Montravius Adams, Iowa’s Jaleel Johnson and Notre Dame’s Jarron Jones are all second- or third-day prospects who can help fill the team’s depth chart.