In previous years, the better prospect might be worth the bigger price tag. But this is a good year for the Bengals to save a few bucks.

In addition to Smith, tackles Michael Oher of Mississippi and Eugene Monroe of Virginia are considered top-of-the-draft prospects. The Bengals should be able to grab one of them in the first round.

As an added bonus, the 2009 draft is considered unusually deep in centers, so the Bengals could fortify the offensive line in two key spots by merely waiting for their turn at the podium.

They used the 2008 draft to acquire multiple receiver prospects, with an eye toward losing either T.J. Houshmandzadeh (who will be a free agent) or Chad Ocho Cinco (who could be traded) this winter. The line would seem to be the next area of concern as the Bengals rebuild their offense.

The line has allowed 50 sacks -- third-most in the league and roughly three times as many as it allowed in 2007 -- and has failed to consistently open holes for running backs. Adding injury to insult, left tackle Levi Jones has had back and leg problems throughout the season, and right tackle Stacy Andrews recently suffered torn ligaments in his right knee. The future is cloudy for both players.

Rookie Anthony Collins has played well enough in Jones's absence to think he could start next season at one of the tackle positions. Andrew Whitworth could slide from left guard to the other tackle spot, or he could remain at left guard while the Bengals acquire a tackle prospect in the draft.

The injury to Andrews could have two significant consequences: It increases the urgency to draft a tackle and decreases the Bengals' contract offer to retain Andrews, whom they tagged as their franchise player last offseason. The savings could be used to retain Houshmandzadeh, likely by tagging him their franchise player in 2009.

"That's a sad deal with Stacy," Houshmandzadeh said. "You would hope they would give him the same deal they had offered him."

The wild card is owner Mike Brown, who has a fondness for offensive skill players and a history of maintaining the status quo. He could opt to keep both veteran receivers and draft a running back such as Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells. At least one recent mock draft predicted Wells to the Bengals.

As Jones said recently, "You never can guess what's going to happen around here."

In addition to the many questions about the offense, the young and improving defense could use a playmaker, particularly an effective pass-rusher. The Bengals have only 16 sacks in 15 games, second-fewest in the NFL.

The dilemma for team officials is where to find that playmaker. They spent more than $60 million on defensive ends Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom in the past two offseasons, thinking that each was entering his prime, so it is hard to imagine them drafting a defensive end such as Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech or Brian Orakpo of Texas. It is more likely that they acquire a linebacker or safety.

The Bengals' history in Free Agency suggests they will look for a developing player who might be ready to start, or a backup who could fill a specific role -- for instance, a third-down back or a pass-rushing defensive tackle.

"I assume (change) is going to happen," Houshmandzadeh said.

spriestle@dispatch.com

Box Story: Offseason needs

The Cincinnati Bengals' 3-11-1 record indicates there are plenty of holes to fill before next season. Some will be filled from within, as young players from recent drafts mature into bigger roles. More will be filled through the 2009 draft and Free Agency. Below is a look at some of the pieces the Bengals might pursue in the offseason: \

DRAFT

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern Cal \

TOP-SHELF FREE AGENTS

Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee

Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina

Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore

Bart Scott, LB, Baltimore

Terrell Suggs, LB, Baltimore

Jordan Gross, OT, Carolina \

FILLS A NEED

Matt Birk, C, Minnesota

Jason Brown, C, Baltimore

Jovan Haye, DT, Tampa Bay

O.J. Atogwe, S, St. Louis \

TAKE A FLYER

Kenechi Udeze, DE, Minnesota

Angelo Crowell, LB, Buffalo