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FanSided

NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Apr 28, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick John Ross holds up his No. 1 jersey with head coach Marvin Lewis in a press conference at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
Apr 28, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick John Ross holds up his No. 1 jersey with head coach Marvin Lewis in a press conference at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Cincinnati Bengals

2016 Record: 6-9-1, Third Place in the AFC North

The Cincinnati Bengals may have had one of the uglier seasons in 2016. But they also nailed the 2017 NFL Draft.

That is if you count running back Joe Mixon as a steal.

Mixon’s off-the-field concerns will haunt him the rest of his NFL career. Yet he’s still a tremendous talent, which prompts the question how much teams will tolerate talent versus red flags. That’s another argument for another time.

Adding wide receiver John Ross in Round 1 was another great pickup, especially if the speedster can stay healthy. Linebackers Jordan Willis and Carl Lawson should help bolster the pass rush, which was another pressing need.

The Bengals should be able to bounce back nicely in 2017. At least in the regular season.

Strengths

Cincinnati’s offense is infinitely better now with Mixon and Ross in the picture. Those are two upgrades the Bengals clearly needed to get things back on track this side of the ball. This will help quarterback Andy Dalton look to get back into form.

And after registering only 33 sacks in 2017, the tandem of Willis and Lawson should make defenders Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins’ jobs all the more easier.

Weaknesses

The Bengals offensive line didn’t see much help come in via the draft, which is a problem after losing linemen Kevin Zeitler and Andrew Whitworth via free agency.

Even the best offenses can be stymied by bad O-lines, so this could be a major problem for Cincinnati over the course of the season. We’ll see how well this group adjusts.

X-Factors

Ross’ injury history immediately raises concerns here. Sure, his potential is sky high. But the risk is equally as pressing.

But the majority of focus will be on Mixon. Can he put his past behind him and regularly contribute as a bona fide playmaker? Or will Mixon, overshadowed by his character concerns, fall victim to the pressure he’ll face both on and off the field?