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| CIN - Andre Smith absent from OTAs - |
Cincinnati Bengals T Andre Smith is absent from the first day of organized team activities because he 'has to deal with some stuff he has to take care of,' per head coach Marvin Lewis. It's not related to his conditioning, though.
| CIN - Leon Hall to miss OTAs - |
Cincinnati Bengals CB Leon Hall (thumb) will miss some OTA action due to a torn thumb ligament. He suffered the injury while lifting weights, but should be back sometime during OTAs.
| CIN - James Harrison spends a lot on body - |
Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison said he spends between $400,000 to $600,000 to make sure his body is ready for the start of the season. He said he uses a hyperbaric Chamber and has his own staff of acupuncturists, massage therapists and homeopathic doctors.
| CIN - Dre Kirkpatrick won't be on field until July - |
Cincinnati Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) won't participate in team drills on the field until the opening of training camp in late July, as he recovers from knee surgery. He is doing individual drills with the defensive backs that have pleased his coaches. 'It's the best he's moved since he's been here,' secondary coach Mark Carrier said. 'It's amazing what you can do when you don't have any pain.'
| CIN - Adam Jones feeling great - |
Cincinnati Bengals CB Adam Jones (neck) has felt so good this offseason that he has been squatting in the weight room, something he hasn't done since suffering a herniated disk in his neck five years ago. 'I feel unbelievable,' Jones said. 'I'm running faster, I'm working hard and I know the defense like the back of my hand, so I don't have to think while I'm out there. It's just all reaction. I'm out catching punts every day. I feel good, man.'
| CIN - James Harrison to work at SAM LB - |
The Cincinnati Bengals needed an upgraded at SAM linebacker following the departure of LB Manny Lawson (Bills), and that is exactly where the team envisions LB James Harrison lining up. 'We all feel good about how he rushes the passer, obviously,' linebackers coach Paul Guenther said Wednesday, May 15. 'He's done the same coverage stuff that he did in Pittsburgh that he'll do here. Just a little different in terminology and sight lines.'
| CIN - Michael Johnson working on flexibility - |
Cincinnati Bengals DL Michael Johnson, the team's franchise player, isn't worried about contract years. He said Wednesday, May 15, that he is focused on getting ready for the season, and all of the contract stuff will take care of itself. After bulking up last season, this offseason he has worked on movement and flexibility. 'I'm still doing the same stuff, but this year I'm working on more flexibility. Staying loose and being mobile for as many weeks as we play,' Johnson said. He has worked with DL Robert Geathers doing some yoga, and took a yoga class at Georgia Tech while working toward his business administration degree this summer.
| CIN - Giovani Bernard to play key role - |
Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard is expected to play a key role in the team's offense this year, and he said he's excited to share the backfield with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. 'I think it's more so a complementary kind of thing,' Bernard said. 'I think we are both going to help each other out. I definitely had a chance to talk to him, and he's the leader of that pack, he's the leader of the guys. I'm going to be following his footsteps, so I'm going to do whatever I can to help him. He's going to help me.'
Footballguys view: Bernard is the big play change of RB the Bengals have been looking for. He'll start as a change of pace back behind Green-Ellis but could get a bigger role if he impresses early.
More BenJarvus Green-Ellis info
| CIN - Sign Tanner Hawkinson - |
The Cincinnati Bengals signed OT Tanner Hawkinson Tuesday, May 15. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| CIN - Tyler Eifert moves around during minicamp - |
Cincinnati Bengals TE Tyler Eifert lined up at tight end on both ends of the offensive line as well as a slot receiver during the team's rookie minicamp. Eifert said he believes he is picking up the offense relatively quick.
Footballguys view: Eifert is a dangerous weapon who can be used in multiple ways with the Bengals. He can line up in line or split out to the slot. His athleticism makes it difficult for defenders to cover him downfield. We like him as a TE2 with upside for your fantasy teams. His current ADP is TE18 and he's coming off the board at 13.07 on average.
| CIN - Make roster moves - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed undrafted free-agent Terrence Stephens (Stanford). Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived DT Travis Chappelear.
| CIN - Two draft picks signed - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed fourth-round draft choice LB Sean Porter and sixth-round draft choice RB Rex Burkhead. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Burkhead is an interesting player to watch in deep dynasty leagues. He could be only a special teams player this year but has the ability to be a grinder if the team needs him to be. Burkhead is not fast but has good burst, changes direction with balance, and runs with good power.
| CIN - Make offer to Terrence Stephens - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have offered a contract to undrafted free-agent DT Terrence Stephens (Stanford).
| CIN - Rex Burkhead does not practice - |
Cincinnati Bengals RB Rex Burkhead (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Sunday, May 12. It is not known why Burkhead sat out practice.
| CIN - Rookie TE Eifert lining up in multiple positions - |
Cincinnati Bengals rookie TE Tyler Eifert has been lining up in multiple positions at rookie minicamp. "A lot of the things I'm learning are a lot of the same plays we had in with two tight ends --- move me around in different positions," Eifert said. "Today I was out in the slot quite a bit. I think I'm picking it up pretty fast."
Footballguys view: Eifert is a dangerous weapon for the Bengals and has some Rob Gronkowski-like attributes to his game. It's easy to get excited about his prospects for this season but we can only recommend him as a TE2 for fantasy owners. His current ADP is TE17 and he's coming off the board near the end of round 13.
| CIN - Cobi Hamilton signed - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed sixth-round draft choice WR Cobi Hamilton. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: We love the addition of Hamilton. He's a developmental prospect with the upside to be a quality WR2 someday. Hamilton has the speed to get on top of the defense in the blink of an eye. He also has strong concentration and good body control to haul in difficult passes.
| CIN - Margus Hunt may not get into early games - |
Cincinnati Bengals DE Margus Hunt may not be active for some of the team's early regular season games because he is still early in his development as a football player.
Footballguys view: Hunt is a raw prospect but his upside is through the roof. Hunt averaged only 2.36 seconds from snap to sack last year. Per Scouts Inc that's the fastest time for any qualifying front seven player in this draft class. He was the only player in the FBS who contacted the QB first on all (8) of his sacks. Hunt also set an NCAA record with 17 blocked kicks during his college career.
| CIN - John Clay trying out - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have free-agent FB John Clay (Steelers) in camp on a tryout basis.
| CIN - Reid Fragel signed - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed seventh-round draft choice OT Reid Fragel to a four-year deal worth $2,205,896.
| CIN - Shawn Williams likely will work both safety spots - |
Cincinnati Bengals SS Shawn Williams likely will lineup at free safety and strong safety during the team's rookie minicamp this weekend.
| CIN - Want Tyler Eifert to be difference maker - |
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said he believes TE Tyler Eifert can be a difference-maker for the team if he becomes more of a blocker. Gruden said the team will see what kind of blocker Eifert is during their rookie minicamp and work with him from there.
Footballguys view: Gruden is correct. Eifert was the top tight end in this draft class and is an instant upgrade over Jermaine Gresham. He can make plays in a crowd and is fearless when running routes over the middle. Eifert fights for contested catches and has strong hands to snatch the football out of the air. He's a willing blocker with the tenacity to stick with his man. In college at Notre Dame Eifert had the ability to line up in line or out of the slot. Eifert is a TE2 with TE1 upside for fantasy owners this year. His current ADP is TE16 and he's going off most boards in the middle of round 13.
| CIN - Could use more two-TE sets - |
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden indicated the team could use two-tight end sets more often this season with TEs Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert. Gruden said the team will still be using three-receiver sets like they did last season.
Footballguys view: Gresham is a strong blocker but isn't the receiving threat that Eifert is. The team has question marks at the WR position behind star A.J. Green so Eifert could end up being the second favorite target for Andy Dalton in 2013.
| CIN - T.J. Johnson contract update - |
Updating a previous report, the Cincinnati Bengals have signed C T.J. Johnson to a four-year deal worth $2.205 million. The deal includes a $45,896 signing bonus.
| CIN - T.J. Johnson signed - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed seventh-round draft choice C T.J. Johnson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| CIN - Running back chatter - |
Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis is expected to see the most carries this season. It would also be a surprise if both RBs Bernard Scott and Giovani Bernard made the team.
Footballguys view: If it comes down to one player then the veteran Scott may be the odd man out. Injuries and inconsistencies have held him back during his pro career, preventing him from playing up to his potential. The rookie Bernard is an explosive runner, younger, and could be the better option.
More BenJarvus Green-Ellis info
| CIN - Two rookie RBs up for third-down RB role - |
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said RBs Giovani Bernard and Rex Burkhead will be candidates for the third-down running back role because both are good in the passing game.
Footballguys view: The team may not see Bernard as anything more than a part time player. He's got the speed and elusiveness to be a factor in the open field. The team was looking for a big play option behind starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
| CIN - Hunt Averages 2.36 seconds From Snap To Sack - |
Bengals rookie DE Margus Hunt (SMU) averaged only 2.36 seconds from snap to sack last year. Per Scouts Inc that's the fastest time for any qualifying front seven player in this draft class. He was the only player in the FBS who contacted the QB first on all (8) of his sacks.
Footballguys view: The Bengals add another strong pass rusher here. Hunt is extremely explosive off the line of scrimmage and at 6'8" he has the length to eat up ground in a hurry. He can also contribute on special teams as a kick blocking specialist. He finished his college career with an NCAA record 17 blocked kicks (10 field goals, seven extra points).
| CIN - Three players released - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have released WR Justin Hilton, RB Jourdan Brooks and C Dan Knapp.
| CIN - Onterio McCalebb could see time at WR - |
The Cincinnati Bengals could use CB Onterio McCalebb at wide receiver during offseason workouts because they are looking for a position to use him. The team thinks he is too small to play running back, which is where he played in college.
Footballguys view: McCalebb is a dynamic playmaker because of his acceleration and deep speed. He's too small to run inside but can be effective in space. He can also contribute as a return man.
| CIN - Onterio McCalebb expected to switch positions - |
The Cincinnati Bengals are listing RB Onterio McCalebb as a cornerback on their roster.
Footballguys view: Interesting move here by the Bengals. McCalebb is a small player, listed at 5'10" 164 pounds and can be effective as a return specialist because of his acceleration and long speed. We'll see if he has the ability to play on the defensive side of the ball.
| CIN - Three signed - |
The Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted free-agents TE Jordan Campbell (New Mexico Highlands), RB Onterio McCalebb (Auburn) and P Quinn Sharp (Oklahoma State) to undisclosed deals.
Footballguys view: McCalebb is listed as a RB but is built more like a small slot receiver measuring in at 5'10" 164 pounds. He's got good foot frequency which allows him to change direction at speed. McCalebb has long speed and the acceleration to get to top speed in a hurry. He could be a good return man, but is only an edge runner because his size prevents him from running inside effectively.
| CIN - Jayson DiManche signed - |
The Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted free agent LB Jayson DiManche (Southern Illinois) Sunday, April 28.
| CIN - Shawn Williams to have chance to win job - |
The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to give SS Shawn Williams the chance to win one of the starting safety jobs during training camp.
| CIN - Brandon Tate leading candidate for No. 5 WR - |
Cincinnati Bengals WR Brandon Tate appears to be the leading candidate for the No. 5 wide receiver job entering offseason workouts and training camp. Tate may split punt return duties with CB Adam Jones if he makes the team.
| CIN - Two OTs may compete for one roster spot - |
Cincinnati Bengals OTs Dennis Roland and Reid Fragel may compete for the backup right tackle job during training camp.
| CIN - Margus Hunt selected 53rd overall - |
The Cincinnati Bengals selected SMU DE Margus Hunt with the 53rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Hunt was a potential first rounder but is very raw and inconsistent. He'll have time to grow in this defense and potentially become a very good end in this scheme.
| CIN - More on Andre Smith contract - |
Updating previous reports, the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed OT Andre Smith to a three-year deal worth $18 million.
| CIN - Andre Smith contract update - |
Updating a previous report, the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed OT Andre Smith to a three-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| CIN - Giovani Bernard selected 37th overall - |
The Cincinnati Bengals selected North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard with the 37th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: You can start prepping to sell Benjarvus Green-Ellis as Bernard is probably the fast and elusive back who will send Law Firm to the bench - if he can stay healthy that is.
| CIN - Andre Smith agrees to terms - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with free-agent OT Andre Smith (Bengals) on a long-term deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| CIN - Could consider Eddie Lacy - |
The Cincinnati Bengals could consider selecting University of Alabama RB Eddie Lacy in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft if he is available. The team has been looking to add a complementary back for RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
| CIN - Tyler Eifert selected 21st overall - |
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert with the 21st overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Another surprising pick, Eifert is going to pull some coverage off AJ Green and add a weapon for Andy Dalton. Jermaine Gresham hasn't panned out, Eifert can step in and make this offense that much more dangerous.
| CIN - Nothing imminent with Andre Smith - |
The Cincinnati Bengals are not close to a contract with free-agent OT Andre Smith (Bengals) but the two sides are expected to continue negotiations.
| CIN - James Harrison contract update - |
Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison's two-year deal averages $2.225 million per season. He received a $1.2 million signing bonus, and he will earn $3 million in 2013.
| CIN - Believe James Harrison can play in 4-3 defense - |
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he believes LB James Harrison will be able to adjust to playing in a 4-3 defensive alignment. 'He can adjust; he was their adjustor in Pittsburgh,' Lewis said. 'I have no doubt he can do it. He's got that flexibility and he's a smart, hard-working guy. But it all starts with the fact he's physical against the run.'
| CIN - Reid Fragel worked out - |
The Cincinnati Bengals worked out Ohio State OT Reid Fragel Monday, April 22.
| CIN - Jonathan Cyprien worked out - |
The Cincinnati Bengals are working out Florida International S Jonathan Cyprien Monday, April 22.
Footballguys view: Cyprien has seen his draft stock elevate since a solid performance the week of the Senior Bowl earlier this year. He's a tough, in the box defender who is always looking for the big hit.
| CIN - James Harrison agrees to terms - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) on a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| CIN - Hope to re-sign Andre Smith - |
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he hopes to the team will be able to reach an agreement with free-agent OT Andre Smith (Bengals) in the near future.
Footballguys view: Smith is the best right tackle in free agency, so it is a bit astounding that he is still unsigned over a month into the signing period. The right tackle market has taken a beating, and the Bengals will probably be able to take advantage of it by bringing Smith back for much less than he thought he'd get.
| CIN - Will not add two free agent LBs - |
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said the team could sign free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) or free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) this offseason but ruled out the possibility of signing both players.
