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There’s been a lot of speculation that the Bengals would love to select Sedrick Ellis, the defensive tackle from Southern Cal, with the 9th pick of the draft. It’s to the point where some even believe Cincinnati might have to trade up a spot or two to prevent some other team from stealing him by making a trade with the Patriots or Ravens.

It makes sense. Cincinnati definitely needs help on the defensive line, particularly after losing Justin Smith and Bryan Robinson via free agency.

But an article by team beat writer Mark Curnette says it’s also possible that the Bengals will select a running back with that pick. The team, Curnette says, has been looking at Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Stewart.

The Bengals may be studying those backs in case one slides in the draft. Maybe the Bengals decide to trade away Chad Johnson and wind up with Philadelphia’s or Washington’s first-round pick – Nos. 19 and 21 overall. Or maybe Ellis is gone and Cincinnati just decides to go with a running back with that 9th pick.

At running back, the Bengals have depth but no real superstar. Rudi Johnson is slowing down, Kenny Watson is more of a part-time guy, and Chris Perry and Kenny Irons haven’t panned out yet.

Curnette’s article appears in today’s Cincinnati Enquirer.

—Ian Allan

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