For the Bengals, their biggest area of need is at the wide receiver position, but with Doctson and Coleman coming off the board prior to their pick, the best answer here is to take the best playmaker left who addresses a need.
Sheldon Rankins from Louisville is a quick and athletic interior lineman who can also play on the edge. Domata Peko’s skill set is dwindling, and placing Rankins next to Geno Atkins gives the Bengals a top-notch defensive line for 2016.
If needed, they can shift him outside and lose very little as far as pass rush and run-stopping ability is concerned.
He may not be the choice the team would have preferred, but he’s no consolation prize either.
Previously: Corey Coleman – WR – Baylor
Next: 25. Pittsburgh Steelers