Bengals DC: 2017 'as good a pass-rusher draft that I can remember'

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther doesn't make the final draft decisions for his team, but he's not shy about which position he'd like them to attack.

The Bengals were uncharacteristically 19th in sacks last season with a total of 33, and 17th in total defense. Despite a perceived need at defensive back, Guenther couldn't help but gush over the 2017 crop of pass-rushers.

"It’s as good a pass-rusher draft that I can remember," Guenther told his team's website. "As far as inside guys, outside guys, linebackers, where guys are well-schooled with moves and hands."

Texas A&M's Myles Garrett is set to lead the class of pass-rushers, but likely won't be available when the Bengals pick at No. 9 overall. Guenther has spotted a few other targets, though, and isn't picky about whether they have Garrett's size.

"If that (guy) is 5-11 and he can get there, I don't care," Guenther said. "For our defense to play every down, head up on the tight end, the outside part of the tackle, you have to hold up on the run. If you can hold up, there are guys in the league playing at 255, 260. Plenty of guys.

"You're just looking for guys that have the traits you're looking for. You're looking for guys with a long reach, but they also have to have the quickness and burst, too. Not many 6-5, 6-6 defensive ends that can play at a high level. They wouldn't get to us at nine."