The Bengals went on an amazing run to Super Bowl LVI in 2021 which no one saw coming when the season began. Now, as they look to defend their AFC crown, upgrades on the roster will be needed, especially with all the moving and shaking in the conference during free agency.

For the Bengals, their most glaring weakness is their offensive line and they're expected by most to address it early in the NFL draft. However, Pro Football Focus has the Bengals going a different route in round one in one of its latest mock drafts as they select UConn defensive tackle, Travis Jones.

Per PFF:

"Jones has been a big pre-draft riser after the Senior Bowl and combine. Even though the Bengals re-signed B.J. Hill and still have D.J. Reader, they employed a healthy defensive tackle rotation last year that saw Larry Ogunjobi also play 752 snaps. Jones can seamlessly replace those snaps while keeping the Bengals defensive front stout."

A breakdown of Jones' strength and technique via Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network:

"Jones’ strength is also apparent in his technical approach to the game. He has an incredibly powerful punch that allows him to shock offensive linemen at the point of attack. There are multiple examples on film of him snapping back an offensive lineman with a well-timed and powerful blow. He can punch, extend, and manipulate his opponent impressively and with unerring regularity.

"The Connecticut defensive tackle doesn’t just win with power alone, however. He has showcased impressively fast hand speed to disengage from blockers easily. He can use that speed and length to knife through double-teams and make a play on the ball carrier."

The Bengals did an incredible job, albeit in a loss, stopping the run against the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl by only yielding 43 yards on 23 attempts which was much lower than the 102.5 yards they allowed in the regular season. Adding a space-eater like Jones on the interior could create one-on-one chances for the edge rushers on the Bengals which will increase their chances of getting off of blocks to stop the run.

Jones is seen as more of a Day 2 prospect by most so the Bengals could address their offensive lines issues first and then snag Jones in round two or three.

The Bengals need help on the interior defensive line

The Bengals lost Larry Ogunjobi to the Bears during the opening days of free agency, but Ogunjobi has since failed his physical and is once again a free agent. Jones doesn't have the pass rush skills that Ogunjobi has, but he's a great complementary piece to both D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill.

Plus, Jones has the skillset to eventually develop into a quality interior pass rusher in the NFL. Playing behind Reader and Hill would give him time to develop those skills while he factors in via the rotation early on.

Regardless, he would be a great option to spell Reader whenever Reader needs a breather. Plus, Reader has just two years left on his deal and both years aren't cheap. Jones gives the Bengals insurance in case things go south with Reader, for whatever reason, and he can possibly be the franchise's next nose tackle.

Feature image via Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports