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The Bengals and Lions are battling it out for the first overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. That much we know. What we don't know at this point is just who they may be targeting with that selection. So lets break down the team needs and who may be available and worthy of the number one pick.

We'll start with the Bengals...

First and foremost they need a new coach. Unfortunately you can't get that in the draft, so they'll have to turn their attention to running back. There is no question this is the most pressing need in Cincinnati. They parted with Rudi Johnson just weeks before the season started, putting their season in the hands of former first rounder Chris Perry. The former Michigan running back has been nothing but a disappointment, so much so that the Bengals turned to the embattled Cedric Benson for help. Needless to say, neither one is the long-term answer in Cincy. So which running backs are worthy of the first or second pick? At this point, it looks like just two: Chris "Beanie" Wells and Knowshon Moreno. Wells is a true workhorse, built like Jamal Lewis. Moreno on the other hand is more of a home run threat, and has the potential to be a better version of DeShaun Foster.

Another option for the Bengals is to start fixing their putrid defense. They need help everywhere, but given the talent available in the draft, linebacker would be the likely position to address. Both James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga look like options in the top five, but to take one of them first overall would be a reach. Laurinaitis is the safer choice. He's a smart football player that is solid in coverage and against the run. Maualuga on the other hand has a much higher upside, but also has a greater bust factor. He plays like a mad man, and if he doesn't get some good coaching early in his career he won't last long.

Now for the Lions...

The Matt Millen era is over, meaning Michael Crabtree isn't an option. The obvious choice here would be a quarterback. Matthew Stafford and Sam Bradford are the early front runners to be the first signal callers off the board, but Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez could also draw some interest.

If the Lions don't select a quarterback (unlikely) they'll likely turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Brian Orakpo would be a logical choice, as former d-line coach Rod Marinelli has been looking for an elite pass rusher since he landed in Detroit. It would be a slight reach to select him first overall, but clearly fills a position of need.

And with all that said, two of the favorites to go first overall at this time last year were Andre Woodson and Brian Brohm. So check back in April to see Josh Freeman hear his name called as first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

For more from Ryan McCrystal visit DraftAce.com