Looking ahead to 2017 draft

[*ochocincos*]

I hope to see the following pending FAs re-signed before the 2017 draft:
Zeitler
Bernard
Hewitt
Williams
Perhaps Whitworth for another 1-2 year deal?

I don't think the Bengals need 10+ players from the 2017 draft, so I expect (hope) they use some of the comp picks to trade up.

DE is an obvious need early if none of Hunt, Clarke, or Hardison steps up as a quality rotational DE. Hunt is also entering a contract year, so if he doesn't put up this year, he's likely not getting re-signed anyway.

Interior OL early if Bodine struggles again. That could either be a center or a guard depending on how Westerman is groomed and coming along.

If Shawn Williams decides to leave in FA or has not come along by the end of 2016, then safety becomes a need. However, as of right now, I have faith in Williams and Derron Smith developing successfully and think safety can be a Day 3 pick.

A WR and CB will likely be drafted at some point given Brandon LaFell and DreK entering contract years this year. Whether that pick is early, mid, or late depends on the development of our current depth players and if either or both LaFell and DreK is re-signed.

Another LB in the mid-rounds since both Maualuga and Burfict will be entering a contract year in 2017 and Dansby is a 1-year rental.

Perhaps a Day 3 NT behind Billings since Peko is entering a contract year.

I can see a RB at some point since Bernard, Burkhead, and Peerman are all entering a contract year this year.

Probably OT since at least Winston will likely be gone. For me, it goes from a late-round pick to a mid-round if Whitworth also doesn't re-sign.