The NFL rookie draft is right around the corner. Mel Kiper is projecting the Bengals to take Texas Tech wideout Michael Crabtree in his latest mock draft. Let's check out what some of the draft gurus having Cincinnati taking:

FootballFutures.com (Entire 1st Round)
Cincinnati - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Comments: OL was a need for the Bengals even if they kept Stacy Andrews. His departure makes this a dire need, so they role the dice on Smith. He should be able to re-establish himself as a top talent after his questionable combine.

DraftCountdown.com (Entire 1st Round)
Cincinnati - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Comments: Even if second-year man Anthony Collins is able to replace him the Bengals will still need another top blocker and Andre Smith could be their man. On talent alone most agree that Smith is one of the 3-5 best players in this draft but concerns about his Andre Smith | Alabama Crimson Tide  height, conditioning and maturity have really turned some teams off.

NewNFDraft.com (Entire 1st Round)
Cincinnati - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Comments: Their offensive line is very weak and Jason Smith is a top 5 pick that some how falls to them here. With his ability to mover and strength I think he will be very good protecting the back side in the 2009 NFL Season. 

DraftKing.com (Entire 1st Round)
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Comments: Cincinnati desperately needs an offensive line boost. Consider this: in 2008, the Bengals were #30 in passing offense and #29 in rushing offense. Monroe hasn't received as much media attention as some of the other elite offensive tackle talents, but he has quietly climbed up the ladder to where he might go in the top five of the draft. If he's on the board here, he would be an excellent selection for the Bengals.

FFToolbox.com
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia (Entire 1st Round)
Comments: Conventional wisdom would dictate that the Bengals select Michael Crabtree here, but this team has other, more pressing, needs. Besides, last year's 3rd rounder, Andre Caldwell showed enough for Cincinnati to put off taking a WR this round. Addressing an offensive line that allowed 51 sacks last year is a priority. Monroe offer the best value.

NFL bengals, eugene monroe, andre smith, mock draft, michael crabtree