The NFL season ended yesterday. For the fans of 12 teams, it’s going to be a long week(or 2) of anticipation of playoff games and Super Bowl glory. For the rest of us, we get to look forward to The Draft.

For the first time since 2003(and the 14th time in their history) the Cincinnati Bengals have earned a top 5 pick in the April NFL draft.  The Bengals will draft 4th, behind Carolina, Denver, and Buffalo.

Despite the 4 – 12 record, the cupboard is far from bare in Cincinnati. The late season improvement we saw was not due to other teams’ taking the Bengals lightly, but from the excellent play of some of the younger players on the Bengals roster. Enough young players, in fact, that Cincinnati is now afforded the luxury of drafting the best player available, instead of forcing a pick due to need.

For the purpose of this article we’ll assume Andrew Luck will not be available in the fourth slot.  If by some twist of fate he’s there, you would assume the Bengals would either make him the pick or trade out of the spot at that point.

Here are four names you might hear associated with the Bengals at # 4. The beauty of picking so early is one of these players is absolutely going to be available, no matter what goes on in the first three picks.

A.J. Green – WR – Georgia – This pick makes sense because of the impending departure of the TOcho show in Cincinnati. I think Jerome Simpson has shown enough in 2 games to earn a shot next year – he appears to have a nice rapport with Carson Palmer.  Starting opposite Simpson the last two games has been Andre Caldwell.  Bubba is a solid guy but not exactly a big play threat. Adding a 6’4”, 212 pound talent like Green on the outside will help stretch the field not only for the running game, but for rookies Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham too. Think about that: Simpson and Green on the outside, Shipley and Caldwell in the slot, Gresham lined up at tight end. That’s a lot of young weapons in the passing game.

**Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU – **The only way this pick would make sense is if the Bengals cannot come to terms with Jonathan Joseph. Right now, Joseph and Leon Hall make up one of the best (if not THE best) tandems in the game, and behind them are Adam Jones and Brandon Ghee. If Cincinnati cannot come to terms with Joseph(CBA!) this pick is a possibility. Peterson is the best cornerback in the draft and is a dynamic punt returner as well.

**Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn – **I think Nick is the best Defensive Lineman in the draft.  At 6’5”, 300 lbs, he has the size and speed to be a four down NFL defensive lineman. With his quickness off the ball and penetration skills, he’s a perfect one gap defensive tackle in the 4-3, or he can play end in a 3-4. He would be an excellent addition to a defensive tackle rotation which includes Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, Pat Sims, and Tank Johnson. Watch him make plays in the BCS Championship game. He’s number 90 for Auburn and is the guy you will see in Oregon’s backfield the entire game.

Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson – I have to admit I’m curious about this selection. The Bengals do need a pass rusher opposite Carlos Dunlap. Is Michael Johnson that guy? It’s a question the next Bengals coach needs to be asking himself. If you don’t feel Michael Johnson can provide the consistent pressure you’re looking for, then Bowers might be the pick. A top guy coming out of high school, he has not produced until this, his senior, season.  But 15 ½ sacks and 25 TFL is pretty impressive production.

Remember, this is just a first impression. A lot is going to happen over the next 115 days. A new coaching staff, the combine, free agent departures/signings, and the unresolved CBA all offer variables to this equation. New prospects will emerge and some will drop off the board. Either way, the draft cannot get here quickly enough.