Other Mini-Camp Bites:

- After year's of waiting until the last minute to signing its rookies the Bengals finally seem to believe in the benefit of signing some of its rookies prior to training camp.   There is no reason to wait to sign the late round picks who basically sign slotted deals and the team had some early success this year.  Already in the fold are sixth rounders Bernard Scott and Morgan Trent and seventh rounders Clinton McDonald and Freddie Brown.

- On the negative front, the early word is OT Andre Smith has "holdout" written all over him.  Hearing this is esp. frustrating considering QB Mark Sanchez selected just one pick earlier is already signed.  Of course, Sanchez's QB contract could be exactly the reason why Andre is a potential holdout.

- Rookie DE/OLB Michael Johnson has gotten rave reviews but will still have the "prove it" tag come training camp.  He is a physical marvel but the rigors of training camp is more likely to show his "toughness" issues than a drill oriented mini-camp.  Workout warriors excel in drills.  One thing i found interesting was the how much attention Johnson received from special team's coaches during field goal drills during the "open practice" on Saturday. 

- Chad Ocho Cinco looked silly in his orange pants on a 90 degree day but looked to be working harder than at any time during the 2008 training camp (of course that is not saying much).

- Carson Palmer's elbow appears to have survived the camp without any problems. 

- Why does a team cut its 4th quarterback (camp arm) if its starting quarterback is coming back from an elbow injury and possibly limiting his throws?

- The most surprising development of the camp was talk of Jordan Palmer possibly beating out JT O'Sullivan for the backup quarterback job.   O'Sullivan may not be perfect but is a better player than last year's backup Ryan Fitzpatrick (esp. in the arm strength category).  Jordan on the other hand did not even get to play meaningful snaps in a pre-season game a year ago.  I am not saying it can't happen but Jordan is going to need to shine in pre-season game action before that discussion even starts.

- When Geoff Hobson is giving less than glowing reviews of 2008 2nd round pick Jerome Simpson it is time to get worried.  Personally, Simpson is a great athlete who needs time and reps to shine and he is not going to get that in a crowded receiving corp. 

- Speaking of the wide receivers the team's veteran trio of Cinco, Coles and Henry could make it hard for Andre Caldwell to see meaningful playing time as well.

- I will close with my Father's Day Bengals story: On Saturday, I headed down to the Pro Shop with my 18 month old , Rudy, to get a gift for my dad.  I had totally disregarded the select a seat event because i already have seats but was pleasantly surprised to see the stadium was open and the team was on the field for its final Mini-Camp practice.   As a result, Rudy and I watched the team practice from my seats (at least until he said they were "hot!").  We then moved a little closer and watched the team for twenty minutes or so (he actually sat still on my lap).   Of course, being an 18 month old he mostly enjoyed touring the stadium, climbing steps and drinking from every drinking fountain he could find.  Even if I did not get to watch as much practice as I would have like the joy of showing off the Jungle to Rudy for the first time was a special Father's Day treat.  I hope all the dad's out enjoyed a similar pleasant experience this weekend.    

3. An active off-season.  The team moved quickly to sign WR Laveranues Coles to replace TJ Houshmandazadeh and give the team a solid veteran possession receiver.  They followed up the signing with two bargain basement additions in low risk high reward guys S Roy Williams and DT Tank Johnson.  One tidbit you probably don't know is that the Bengals are still poised to receive compensation picks for TJ and Stacy Andrews because all three players the team signed were cut by their former team's meaning they won't count against the Bengals in the formula used to determine comp picks.

4. Carson appears to be healthy and has shown signs of seizing a leadership role.  His calling out of Chad Ocho Cinco was politically correct but long overdue.

5. The Ocho actually appeared at an OTA practice.

Stories to Watch At Mini-Camp:

1. The play of the restructured offensive line:  Will Nate Livings and Kyle Cook maintain their starting gigs or will Anthony Collins and Jonathan Luigs close the gap.  Say what you want about the offensive line's top end talent but the competition and depth is better than it has been in recent years.

2. How the talented wide receiver unit shakes out.  Even without the Ocho the Bengals receivers were a talented lot.  Is Coles a good fit for the scheme? Has Chris Henry really re-dedicated himself to the game? Can 2008 draftees Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson find a way to contribute and live up to their draft status?  Does the Ocho still have it?

3. Can we get a read on the running back situation behind Cedric Benson.  Beyond Benson there is an aging Kenny Watson and a lot of question marks.  Don't forget Benson is far from a sure thing himself.

4.  Do the Bengals have the players they need to improve an anemic pass rush?  Antwan Odom has supposedly put on a lot of weight (not necessarily a good thing) and Robert Geathers' micro-fracture is the biggest story no one is talking about.  Even at 100% this duo of high priced talent is a question mark.  The depth behind them is a combination of raw but talented (Michael Johnson), hard working but injury prone (Jonathan Fanene) and on the verge of bust status (Frostee Rucker).  Mike Zimmer made major strides with a patchwork defense last year but it is hard to believe the defense will be able to take the next step without being able to turn up the heat on opposing passers.

5. Where and how soon does Rey Maualuga break into the starting lineup?

6. Is there any depth at cornerback?

7. How does Roy Williams fit into the team's plans at safety?

In 2008 he attempted to complain his way out of town when the team called his bluff, he showed up out of shape and out of sync.   With his legacy on the line, one would expect him to re-dedicate himself and rebuild his reputation.  Instead, he has avoided the team's phone calls like the plaque while costing himself $250,000 in workout bonuses for the 2nd consecutive season.

Former teammate Eric Ghiaciuc (now with Kansas City) stated what we already knew but the team refuses to say with the following:

As much as you try to focus on football with your day-to-day routine of meetings, lifting, walkthroughs, practices, games, you can focus but it's still there behind you.  I think we were doing our best to focus on what we needed to be focused on in our profession, but it was there and it was a problem.

This on top of Carson Palmer's comments a few weeks ago regarding Chad and you know all is not right in Bengal-land.   In an off-season of optimism, Chad remains the poison pill which could spoil it all.  

One could view the presence of "Hard Knocks" is either a blessing or a curse.  On the plus side, Chad might actually want to work hard and hog the spotlight.  On the negative side, Chad's poor practice habits and distractions could also be available for all to see. 

At this stage, Chad may need to realize he needs the team as much if not more than the team needs him.  After all, the team appears to have some depth at wide receiver but Chad's legacy not to mention Hall of Fame hopes are on life support (Art Monk barely made it).   The sooner Chad learns that the better it is for not only the Bengals but himself. 

One can make the argument that no team drafted more sheer talent in 2009 draft.  That said, it is not a draft class without substantial risk.  After all, there is a reason why Andre Smith fell to #6 (immaturity/weight), Rey Maualuga fell to round 2 (maturity/freelancing), Michael Johnson a top 10 talent in round 3 (inconsistent effort) and Chase Coffman to late in round 3 (slow, poor blocker, injury).  I don't say this to be negative but it is important to say this collection of talent is very much a high risk/high reward draft.

Pick by Pick breakdown:

1. OT Andre Smith, Alabama - Arguably the most talented offensive lineman in the draft.  Dominating run blocker who may or may not be athletic enough to play left tackle.  At a minimum he is the team's starting right tackle and should provide an immediate boost to a stagnant ground attack.  Biggest concern is whether offensive line coach Paul Alexander can get the most out of him.

2. MLB Rey Maualuga, USC - A big hitting intimidator, Maualuga is the type of player Marvin Lewis has always wanted in the middle of his defense.  Needs to stay out of trouble and stick to the scheme. Tremendous talent whom the team was thrilled to see fall to them in round 2.

3a. DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech - Arguably most physically gifted defensive end in the draft, Johnson falls due to inconsistent effort and questionable desire.  Fills a major need but he will be a project for Mike Zimmer and D-Line coach Jay Hayes.  Even if Johnson is only able to be a situational pass rusher he could make a big difference for the defense.  His potential is well worth the risk of a 3rd round pick. 

3b.TE Chase Coffman, Missouri - Excellent route runner with the best hands of any tight end in the draft.  Has the talent to be what everyone expected out of Ben Utecht last year.  Despite the positives he is far from a sure thing as he is slow and a poor blocker which is generally not a good combination for a tight end.

4. C Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas - He is not the physical mauler that Max Unger or Eric Wood are and the concerns with how he will deal with the nose tackles of the AFC North are legitimate but he is also the fifth and final member of a highly touted center class and is known for his athleticism and high football IQ.  A great value in round 4 who will challenge for the starting job.

5. P Kevin Huber, Cincinnati - Best punter in the draft.  As a left footer his kicks have a unique spin which has caused problems for returners.  Also, is known for his ability to change fields and pin the ball deep.

6a. CB Morgan Trent, Michigan - Has good size/speed combination and good coverage instincts.  Has the tools you look for in a developmental type. Should battle for the dime job.

6b. RB Bernard Scott, Abilene-Christian - Like Jason Shirley last year, he is the team's gratuitous character risk who will garner far to much discussion from the media.  Despite his troubled past, he the burst the team lacks in the backfield and was tremendously productive at Abilene.  Has a lot of potential but needs to keep his nose clean.

7a. FB Fui Vakapuna, BYU - The team was known to be interested in Vakapuna after his excellent pro day workout.  Vakapuna is big strong runner who is making the transition to fullback.  Shows good power, receiving skills and a willingness to block.

7b. DT Clinton McDonald, Memphis - A nice sleeper pick.  McDonald is an athletic,undersized defensive tackle with a knack for penetration.  Had 7 sacks as senior.  Good character guy.

7c. WR Freddie Brown, Utah - One of the stars of the Utes upset over Alabama with 12 catches and 125 yards.  Has good size and is a possession receiver who is willing to make the tough catches over the middle.  Will face an uphill battle making the roster.

Overall Grade: A- (but with a High Risk/High Reward asterisk) 

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Round 1

With the depth chart showing the names of Kenny Watson (a solid 3rd down back), Chris Perry (1st round bust), DeDe Dorsey (can't stay healthy), James Johnson (who?) and recently acquired Gary Russell (goal line back/returner?).  With the above list hardly instilling confidence the Bengals will be looking to add a 2nd option to its ground attack in the draft. How early they select a back will speak volumes about confident they are in Benson.   With some rumors having the Bengals showing heavy interest in Beanie Wells and Knowshon Moreno, you have to believe the team is either looking to reach for a running back at #6 or consider trading down in round one.  Don't forget the team has a long tradition of drafting 2nd round running backs including Eric Ball, Harold Green, Corey Dillon and Kenny Irons. 

In addition, to running back the team will also be looking to draft a fullback as they do not have a quality fullback option on the roster.  Do not expect the fullback to be selected earlier than round 5.

Running Back:

Round 1 Targets: Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno

Round 2 Targets: Donald Brown, LeSean McCoy

Mid-Round Targets (rounds 3-4): Shonn Greene, Andre Brown, Javon Ringer, Cedric Peerman, Rashad Jennings, Kory Sheets

Late Round Sleepers (rounds 5-7): Gartrell Johnson, Mike Goodson, Ian Johnson, Glen Coffee, Marlon Lucky

Fullback:

Mid-Round Targets (rounds 3-4): Tony Fiametta

Late Round Sleepers (rounds 5-7): Quinn Johnson, Frank Summers, Fui Vakapuna, Jason Cook 

Late Round Sleepers (5th-7th round): Graham Harrell, Rhett Bomar, Nate Davis, Hunter Cantwell, John Parket Wilson

Quarterback Rankings