***Official 2012 Cincinnati Bengals Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[QuizGuy66]

Well 1/4 or so of the picks are left, but we're done

Can see 8-9 of these guys making the team and can see something along the lines of 3 starters and 7 contributors. Very nice draft for the Who Deys

-QG

 

[Faust]

Bengals' Lewis thinks Sanu could start right away

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Mohamed Sanu's rough draft weekend experience is a distant memory now. The Rutgers product landed with the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round with the No. 83 overall pick and it looks like the perfect home for him.

After just one rookie minicamp, coach Marvin Lewis expects Sanu to play a major role right away.

"It thought (Mohamed) Sanu was everything we expected him to be. He's going to come in here and play as a rookie and push to start and play time," Lewis said Sunday, via the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Those are high expectations for a third-round draft pick, but it makes sense with Sanu. He's known as a solid route runner; that's a skill that translates well at the next level. Sanu could be Andy Dalton's T.J. Houshmandzadeh, while A.J. Green is a more dynamic version of Chad Ochocinco. (Sorry Ocho).

The depth chart is thin at the position after Green. Sanu could start over Jordan Shipley, with Brandon Tate and fifth-round pick Marvin Jones as options for returns.

 

[Faust]

Rookie minicamp wraps up

The Bengals completed their rookie minicamp on Sunday inside rain drenched Paul Brown Stadium with a two-hour workout that mostly dealt with red zone and special teams work. After the practice, head coach Marvin Lewis was happy with what he saw the past three days.

“I think to conclude things it was a very productive five workouts and I got a great feel for the guys we drafted and the extra college free agents we signed. I think it has been a good kickoff to things,” Lewis said.

On other minicamp topics that Lewis expounded on:

On Tony Pike: “I thought Tony progressed well through the weekend. He’s coming back from the surgery and gaining process in the arm. His ability to handle football and where the ball should go stands out. He’s got a good disposition.”

On the receivers: “It thought (Mohamed) Sanu was everything we expected him to be. He’s going to come in here and play as a rookie and push to start and play time. Marvin (Jones) to me really had a great five practices. His ability to be a returner will stand out. He really tracks the ball well. You see the speed compared to the size. Taveon (Rogers) and Kashif (Moore) have the speed. Justin (Hilton) is going to be able to compete and do good things in training camp. All five practices as well as the two first-year guys (Armon Binns and Vidal Hazelton) did a good job. I’m excited about it. These guys are going to compete for playing time and spots and make us better.

On Dre Kirkpatrick: “I thought Dre did a good job. There’s no other experience like experience. So literally to take every snap this entire weekend was great. If the period was 10 plays, he took only two off so he got eight out of every 10 plays. There’s no more value than that experience and video that he is going to be able to sit down and watch it with Mike (Zimmer), Mark (Carrier) and Hue (Jackson) and really take a look at himself and see the progress he’s made and see the little things we’re trying to get him to change in his play and stature and stance. He will be able to take it on to the OTAs and build from that.”

As far as if any tryout guys will make the roster, those decisions will not be finalized until later in the week. Two guys that Lewis did single out though were Kansas State LB Emmanuel Lamur and Morgan State FB Jourdan Brooks.

 

[Faust]

Fourth-rounder Charles works on tight end craft

After Marvin Jones made an impression with some nice catches near the sideline on Friday, it was tight end Orson Charles’ who stood out during the second day of the Bengals rookie minicamp on Saturday.

The fourth-round pick from Georgia was able to get in the open on a couple plays and break away from defenders, which drew plenty of praise from tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes.

“I played receiver in high school and my coach always stressed technique and fundamentals – getting open, using my release move,” Charles said. “He told me I wasn’t going to beat everybody with just speed and power.”

Charles studied plenty of other tight ends in the league including New Orleans’ Jimmy Graham and Dallas’ Jason Witten. Just don’t compare Charles and Jermaine Gresham to New England’s duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

For one thing, Gresham and Charles might be better pure receivers compared to the Patriots twosome.

“Thing is I kind of dislike when people say we’ll be like the guys in New England,” Charles said. “I’m not like Hernandez. We’re not like them. We’re going to set something new.”

LONG JOURNEY: Punter Chris Bryan, who played Australian Rules Football for four seasons with Carlton and Collingwood, is here on a tryout basis.

Bryan has previously been in the Packers, Buccaneers and Jets camps. He also had a workout with the Eagles last week.

When asked about the biggest differences kicking in football compared to footy, Bryan said: “We don’t kick for hangtime like we do here. Kicking is what we grow up doing. It’s a little different but something that we work on and refine.”

Bryan, who is a left-footed kicker, has had some booming punts over the two days but has also hooked a couple too.

MARTINEZ HERE: The Bengals added center Randy Martinez on a tryout basis. Martinez, who is from Teaneck, N.J., played at UC and was in Jets camp last week.

With the rookie minicamp in full swing, Martinez said he was a little bit behind but quickly tried to get into the playbook.

“It helped last week knowing the NFL landscape and being in the playbook,” he said. “There was a little bit of a learning curve today but it went well but I didn’t miss any assignments.”

With Martinez here, there are 50 players here for the rookie minicamp including 19 who are on a tryout basis.

CHICHESTER DECLINES: One of the players who was supposed to be here trying out was former Lakota West and Louisville standout Josh Chichester. The Bengals last week extended an invitation to Chichester but the tight end informed the club that he was going to accept an offer to try out from the Saints.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Thanks for the carrying the ball with these, Faust



-QG

 

[r0llin_game]

I see all the people upset that the Bengals passed on Lamar, I was one of those people.

 

[Faust]

Thanks for the carrying the ball with these, Faust -QG

There was lots of great news coming from Bengals rookie camp this week.

 

[Faust]

OTA notes

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Bengals excerpt:

3. Former Patriot Brandon Tate lined up as Cincinnati's No. 2 wide receiver on the first day of OTAs. This is a bit of a surprise, but we wouldn't expect it to stick. Rookies Mohamad Sanu, Marvin Jones, veteran Jordan Shipley, and even sleeper Armon Binns are all candidates for the spot.

 

[Faust]

Can BenJarvus Geen-Ellis carry Bengals backfield?

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Around the League will examine one key figure under pressure on each team heading into the 2012 season. Next up: The Cincinnati Bengals.

Under Pressure: BenJarvus Green-Ellis

It's tough to replace a legend, but BenJarvus Green-Ellis only has to replace Cedric Benson. So why he is under so much pressure to perform in Cincinnati?

1. The Bengals want to run. They were a top-10 team in rushing attempts last year and fifth in 2009 when they won the AFC North. No matter what you think of Andy Dalton's arm strength, their passing game is going to be limited by a lack of receiver depth. The Bengals need to run.

(Incidentally, isn't it weird the Bengals are one of only 10 teams to make the playoffs two of the past three years).

2. BGE is coming from a system in New England that made life easy on running backs. Teams expected the pass and didn't devote resources to stopping Green-Ellis. Can he carry the load when the opponent knows the run is coming?

3. Green-Ellis averaged 205 carries in 2010 and 2011. With only Bernard Scott behind him in Cincinnati, he will be asked to do more. Green-Ellis is valuable because of his reliability -- no career fumbles -- but there is little to indicate he's a "foundation" back. He averaged only four yards-per-carry during his career.

Green-Ellis didn't have a 20-yard run all season. He only has four in his entire career. (510 carries). Those are not the numbers of a back capable of carrying a backfield. BGE is a rock solid role player that the Bengals are asking to do too much. They need a running back that can be a difference-maker.

Bengals fans may actually wind up missing Benson.

 

[Faust]

Bengals' A.J. Green says rookie Sanu will be 'special'

By Dan Hanzus NFL.com

Writer

The NFL career of Mohamed Sanu began quite awkwardly, but the Cincinnati Bengals rookie appears to have landed in a good place.

Sanu, the Bengals' third-round pick in last month's draft, enters a situation where Cincinnati has no clear No. 2 receiver behind A.J. Green. Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson have moved on and it appears Cincinnati will go with a youth movement at the position.

Could Sanu slide into the starting lineup in his rookie season? The former Rutgers star has an early fan in Green.

"A lot of people say that he didn't run the fastest, but you see him on the field and he's fluid in-and-out of his breaks, he catches everything with his hands, and he attacks the ball," Green told the official team site. "He's going to be a special one."

Green said Sanu's style has reminded some within the organization of a standout receiver from the not-so-distant past.

"I'm telling you -- a lot of the older guys here compare him to T.J. Houshmandzadeh," Green said. "He can stretch the field and I think he's really going to help us out this year."

The Bengals would consider themselves lucky if Sanu followed the path of Houshmandzadeh, who had five seasons of at least 70 receptions for the Bengals, including a league-best 112 catches in 2007.

 

[bengalbuck]

In my opinion, if you're drafting soon and looking at Bengals WRs other than AJ, you probably have to like Sanu the most. I actually think he ends up operating primarily out of the slot as I don't think Shipley will be 100%, but may also get some time outside in 2 WR sets. That to me is the real question as far as if he has actual re-draft value this year, how much time he'll get outside in 2 WR sets. If he can be both the 2nd WR in 2 WR sets and the slot guy in 3 or 4 wide sets, then the Houshmanzadeh comparison could come to fruition. I personally tend to think he won't get a ton of time outside his first year, though he may grow into that role.

Armon Binns would probably be the next guy I'd target. I think he has the edge in the battle for the 2nd outside spot. While Marvin Jones has reportedly made some nice plays, I think he's a bit of a longshot to earn a lot of playing time this year, though I think he makes the roster as the 4th or 5th WR.

Overall, in terms of fantasy I see:

Green- WR 1-5

Gresham- TE 4-7

BJGE- RB 18-22

Dalton- QB 14-18

Sanu- WR 40-50

Something along those lines, which would make Green a WR 1, Gresham a TE1, BJGE a RB2, and Dalton a QB2 with Sanu more of a WR 4 or 5 type guy.

 

[cheese]

BB, I am almost dead on in agreement with you on your projections.

It would have to be pretty deep for me to think about Sanu or any other WR2. One of these guys might top WR40, but which one and in which weeks? The chances of guessing wrong is high and the ceiling is limited.

 

[Faust]

Bengals hoping to develop A.J. Green's route running

By Brian McIntyre

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green caught 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2011, becoming the first rookie receiver to earn a Pro Bowl nod since 2003 and debuting on the NFL Network's Top 100 list at No. 77.

According to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post, one area the Bengals are looking for Green to improve upon is his route running.

"He’s always been such a good receiver that he could beat guys a lot of times just by running around them," Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said. "There were times last year when he wasn’t as detailed as he should be in terms of getting off the line, his depths and his route running. I think some of those routes will be cleaned up. He’s working on it. He’s so receptive to it. Has a ways to go, but he wants to be great. With the talent he has, throw in the desire he has, the work ethic he has, and the sky is the limit."

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, a former wide receiver at Stanford who was selected 150 spots behind Green in the 2011 NFL Draft, was critical of Green's route running following the Bengals' 34-12 win last October.

"I would say he's probably one of the most overrated receivers out there," Sherman said to Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR (via Danny O'Neil of The Seattle Times). "He wasn't anything special. (Andy) Dalton was a good quarterback. He makes good decisions, but A.J. Green is just a lot of noise talking and bad routes."

 

[Faust]

A.J. Green sticks up for Andy Dalton's arm

By Brian McIntyre NFL.com

Andy Dalton has had his arm strength questioned this offseason, but wide receiver A.J. Green has his quarterback's back.

It's only fitting, then, that the two Cincinnati Bengals stars hooked up on a passing play that went 72 yards in the air Monday, a display that Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer called the "Play of the Day" at the team's organized team activity session.

Green was asked about Dalton's arm strength Monday during an appearance on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access."

"I don't know why people question his arm," Green said. "I don't believe you have to throw the ball 80 yards every play. You know, just get it out there where I can catch it."

Dalton's arm strength, or rather the lack thereof, remains a hotly debated topic even though it did not prevent him from passing for 3,398 yards and 20 touchdowns or representing his team in the Pro Bowl last season. Dalton's arm also did not keep Green from averaging over 16 yards per reception and becoming the first rookie receiver to earn a Pro Bowl berth since 2003.

As evidenced by his rookie season, Dalton is strong enough to succeed in Jay Gruden's West Coast system. That said, the "Red Rifle" might want to take the advice Red Auerbach gave to Bill Russell by throwing the occasional elbow this season to keep opposing secondaries honest.

 

[Faust]

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bernard Scott to share carries

By Brian McIntyre NFL.com

Over his four-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cedric Benson averaged 19.8 yards per carry and had 25 or more carries in nine of his 56 games. The days of one back carrying the workload in the Bengals' offense appear to be over, however, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Wednesday, as the team will move to a running back-by-committee approach in 2012.

A committee approach makes sense. The Bengals signed former New England Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to a three-year, $9 million contract in March, but the "Law Firm" has never had more than 230 carries in a single season and has just two games with 25-plus carries on his resume.

The smaller Bernard Scott, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, is the projected No. 2 back. He has just two games with 20-plus carries in his three-year career, one of which coming in a spot start for Benson last season.

"I think me and BenJarvus are going to be ready to handle how many carries they want to give us," Scott said. "I think it will be pretty even, but you never know."

Together, Green-Ellis and Scott could form a productive "Thunder and Lightning" combination in the backfield. Though Green-Ellis has a bit more speed than he's given credit for, he is a strong inside runner who will be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations (24 rushing touchdowns the last two seasons). Scott, when healthy, is more of an outside runner.

 

[Faust]

By Clark Judge | Senior NFL Columnist

By Clark Judge | Senior NFL Columnist

Chad Ochocinco's release doesn't say as much about the former Pro Bowl wide receiver as it does the team that let him go, and I'm not talking about New England. I'm talking about the Cincinnati Bengals.

Basically, it makes them look like geniuses.

It's not that often you use that description in connection with Cincinnati and owner Mike Brown, but in the last year the Bengals took so many smart pills they've set themselves up as one of the AFC's fastest ascending teams and a club to watch for years.

Let us count the ways.

First of all, they had the good sense to cut their losses with coach-killer Terrell Owens. Then they found their franchise quarterback (Andy Dalton) and franchise wide receiver (A.J. Green) in the same draft. They followed that with one of the shrewdest trades in years, gaining first-and-second round draft picks for a quarterback (Carson Palmer) who wouldn't play for them again, then turned the first-rounder into one of the top guards (Kevin Zeitler) in this year's draft.

But it gets better. Cincinnati not only gained two high draft choices for Palmer; it gained the guy who swung the deal, too. Hue Jackson, who coached the Raiders last season, returns as a Bengals' assistant this year.

"Everything we touch seems to turn to gold," said one source close to the team.

That's one way of putting it. Another is that the Cincinnati Bengals ... yes, the Cincinnati Bengals ... are making all the right moves, and it's about time.

"It's unbelievable," said Ken Broo, sports director at Cincinnati's WLWT NBC 5. "I think there are two things at work: Mike Brown is a very patient man, and this new collective bargaining agreement that makes draft picks a priority over free agents seems to play right into his hands. It took him 20 years, but it's like he's finally woken up."

Granted, the Bengals lost Cedric Benson, their most productive running back. But they replaced him with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, a guy who didn't produce the yards that Benson did but did produce the touchdowns -- 24, to be exact, in the past two seasons.

But that's not what I like most about that move. This is: He doesn't make mistakes. The guy hasn't fumbled once in four seasons in the NFL. Benson fumbled 12 times in the past two years.

"He's a perfect fit for the division," said Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson. "The Bengals have had good statistics, but they haven't been able to get the yards when they need them -- like short-yardage and goal-line situations and when they have the lead."

Well, now they might.

They also stole free-agent safety Reggie Nelson out from under the New York Jets, and, yeah, I know, Nelson was re-signed. But the Jets thought he was ticketed for them before Cincinnati jumped in at the last minute and made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Not stopping there, the Bengals plugged a hole at guard with the addition of veteran Travelle Wharton. Then they strengthened themselves at cornerback, a position crippled last year by the loss of Leon Hall, with the draft of highly touted Dre Kirkpatrick.

This year's draft wasn't just good. It was one of the best out there, with the Bengals finding value in nearly every round, including defensive tackle Devon Still in the second round, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu in the third and tight end Charles Orson in the fourth.

I guess what I'm saying is that these are not your daddy's Cincinnati Bengals. Where there is controversy elsewhere there is none here. Where there are contract problems elsewhere there are none here. Where there were 19 players who didn't make the Ravens' final OTA session, there was no one missing in Cincinnati.

"This has been the year of the oasis," said Hobson. "But it's something that's been building. It really started in '08 when they cut three Pro Bowl players on the same day -- Willie Anderson, Deltha O'Neal and Rudi Johnson -- and was accelerated by the fact that Carson [Palmer] had a bad elbow that year. So they had to start over. And when they did, they had that surprising year in '09, and, really, that's been the template since."

The Bengals have been to the playoffs two of the past three years, and get used to it. This is a team that will squeeze Pittsburgh and Baltimore at the top of the AFC North. I know, they didn't beat either a year ago. But they reached the postseason, and that was with a rookie quarterback throwing to a rookie wide receiver, with a rookie offensive coordinator calling the shots.

That's why I mention the Ochocinco trade. In and of itself, it's no big deal. Except it's a reflection of what's going on in Cincinnati, and what's going on is the unthinkable: Mike Brown and Co. look as if they finally get it.

When they gave up on Ochocinco, we all nodded and said, "Perfect. Another fleece job by Bill Belichick." Except it wasn't. Ochocinco never picked up the offense, and the Patriots got virtually nothing out of him. So they let him go. Except before making the move, they tested the trade market and found no takers -- less than a year after they sacrificed two draft picks for the guy.

Hmmm, I don't know, but someone sure looks smart there, and it's not New England.

Look, if the situation were reversed, and it was the Patriots who dumped Ochocinco on the Bengals, we'd either be extolling the genius of Bill Belichick or shredding Brown and the Bengals for another stupid exercise. Except these Bengals aren't making dumb moves. They're making smart ones, and I don't know how far it takes them. I just know it's made them a franchise you can't ignore.

Not anymore you can't.

 

[Faust]

BenJarvus Green-Ellis buys in to Bengals' plan

By Dan Hanzus NFL.com

Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have an ego-free backfield in place for the 2012 season.

Last summer, Cedric Benson dismissed any talk of splitting carries in the Bengals' offense. Benson saw himself as a bell-cow back who deserved the rock. His continued unemployment confirms this wasn't a majority opinion.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the man who essentially replaced Benson, has a far more team-friendly viewpoint. After teammate Bernard Scott said last week he feels Cincinnati will go with a running-backs-by-committee approach, Green-Ellis made it clear that wouldn't bother him at all.

"Everyone is at the bottom and working themselves up the depth chart. We have a very good group right now," Green-Ellis said, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. "It's not just about me and Bernard splitting carries right now because you don't know who the starters are going to be."

Green-Ellis is buying into a system that was in place even before he arrived. Back in February, Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden strongly hinted a committee approach would be used after three straight seasons in which Benson carried the ball 270 times or more.

"It's not a bad way to go," Gruden said. "Keep guys fresh. They play longer, they're involved. ... If something happens to one, you know you've got a guy that can come in there and be productive. Where you're not relying heavily on one guy and if something happens to him, you're like, 'Oh God, this guy doesn't have many reps.' "

The Bengals are getting on board with a strategy that has been adopted by many NFL teams in recent years. If you have a dominant runner, so be it. If not, mix and match for best results.

 

[Faust]

A.J. Green earns high praise from Bengals teammates

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

How good can A.J. Green be?

If you're asking people associated with the Cincinnati Bengals, the answer is scary good. The last time the Bengals had a homegrown receiving star, it was Chad Ochocinco, whose persona eventually grew to eclipse his production. The Bengals have no such worries about Green, who flashed signs of greatness as a rookie in 2011.

"He has tremendous ability and he never says a word," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said this week, via ESPN.com. "Every time he watches film, he envisions himself getting better. He envisions himself doing it better than he did it the last time. That's the key element of him. There's not a bit of satisfaction in what he's doing."

Playing with a fellow first-year starter in quarterback Andy Dalton, Green led all rookies with 65 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. It wasn't quite Randy Moss' breathtaking 14 touchdown debut in 1998, but Green became the first rookie wideout to go to the Pro Bowl since Anquan Boldin in 2003.

"He's by far the best receiver I've guarded," Bengals cornerback Adam Jones told ESPN.com.

Now, with a full season and offseason under his belt, we get to find out how good Green can be.

"A.J. is one of those guys who is so gifted athletically, and you find ways to get him the ball," Dalton said. "Whether it's early on in the game or the end or in crunch time, you just try and find ways to get him the ball. Once he's got it, he can do a lot with it. He's just that kind of receiver."

This is some radioactive-glowing praise coming out of Bengals camp. Green's game tape as a rookie showed a dynamic receiver with a sense for the moment. If he continues to progress, the Bengals might have a franchise superstar in their midst.

 

[Faust]

Andy Dalton emerging as leader for Cincinnati Bengals

By Brian McIntyre NFL.com

Even after a Pro Bowl season, debate over Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton's arm strength, or lack thereof, has persisted this offseason. Dalton demonstrated the ability to air it out during the team's recent OTAs and minicamp, and his teammates have come to the defense of the "Red Rifle."

Dalton's coaches have never been concerned about his arm strength, but according to a Saturday report from The Sports Xchange, Dalton completed less than 40 percent of pass attempts outside the numbers last season with more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (four). To correct that, Bengals coaches are working on improving Dalton's technique and footwork this offseason.

One area the second-year quarterback has already shown improvement, however, is as a leader.

"I think I've done a better job this spring," said Dalton of taking charge of the offense. "If a guy runs a route a little differently, instead of letting a coach do it, I'm going to go over there and talk to him. Last year I was trying to get the next play or trying to do things like that and let the coach handle it (other issues). Right now, I feel like I can go over there and say something, because getting the next play is second nature."

We'll have to wait until September to see whether or not Dalton improves on those throws outside the numbers, but he'll have more credibility as a leader if he isn't skipping balls to his targets.

 

[Rockchild]

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bernard Scott to share carries

By Brian McIntyre NFL.com

Over his four-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cedric Benson averaged 19.8 yards per carry and had 25 or more carries in nine of his 56 games. The days of one back carrying the workload in the Bengals' offense appear to be over, however, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Wednesday, as the team will move to a running back-by-committee approach in 2012.

A committee approach makes sense. The Bengals signed former New England Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to a three-year, $9 million contract in March, but the "Law Firm" has never had more than 230 carries in a single season and has just two games with 25-plus carries on his resume.

The smaller Bernard Scott, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, is the projected No. 2 back. He has just two games with 20-plus carries in his three-year career, one of which coming in a spot start for Benson last season.

"I think me and BenJarvus are going to be ready to handle how many carries they want to give us," Scott said. "I think it will be pretty even, but you never know."

Together, Green-Ellis and Scott could form a productive "Thunder and Lightning" combination in the backfield. Though Green-Ellis has a bit more speed than he's given credit for, he is a strong inside runner who will be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations (24 rushing touchdowns the last two seasons). Scott, when healthy, is more of an outside runner.

If he did this he'd probably still be with the team

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Still makes me laugh: 

 

[Faust]

Jermaine Gresham set to build on productive 2011

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

As we count down the days to training camp, Around the League will examine one player from every team set for a breakout campaign in 2012. Up next: the Cincinnati Bengals.

Former first-round pick Jermaine Gresham could break out in Year Two in Jay Gruden's offense.

Jermaine Gresham has caught 108 passes for 1,067 yards with 10 touchdowns in his first two seasons in the league. Gresham led rookie tight ends in receptions in 2010, and only six tight ends in the NFL caught more touchdown passes than his six in 2011. Those raw statistics are respectable numbers for a young player who has played for two offensive coordinators in his career and was denied an offseason by last year's lockout, but he has yet to become the dominant player his impressive physical attributes says he should be.

According to Football Outsiders, Gresham ranked 38th in DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) and 37th in DVOA (defense-adjusted yards over average) among tight ends as a rookie before improving to 26th and 30th in those advanced metrics in 2011. Several factors, unrelated to Gresham's skill level, can explain why he's not been as productive as other tight ends.

Even though he's perceived as a tight end who can stretch the field, Gresham has not run many deep or even intermediate routes thus far in his career. That's hardly his fault. As a rookie, just four of Gresham's 83 targets were considered "deep" pass attempts. That number jumped to 14 out of Gresham's 92 targets last season, but an overwhelming number of his targets have involved the ball traveling fewer than 10 yards, which has kept his yards per reception at 9.9 yards for his career.

The bright side is that Gresham caught eight of the 14 "deep" attempts in 2011, gaining 176 yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns. Gresham has also effective in the red zone, where he's scored nine of his 10 touchdowns and has posted positive DVOAs in each season. Gresham went to the Pro Bowl as a Super Bowl replacement for Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and has the potential to be a superstar in his own right.

With a full NFL offseason to work with quarterback Andy Dalton -- who never had a tight end like Gresham at TCU -- on those intermediate and deep routes in Jay Gruden's offense, Gresham could be an "Original Ballot" Pro Bowl selection this season.

 

[Faust]

Bengals overhaul offense in preparation for season

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

"NFL Total Access" continues with its "32 teams in 32 days" series. We decided to score some brownie points by writing an accompanying post each night. We'll focus on one goal that each team needs to accomplish before Week 1.

Bengals bent on bettering themselves

Following a 10-6 season that resulted in a playoff berth in 2011, the Cincinnati Bengals underwent a minor offensive overhaul this offseason.

First, the Bengals showed that they were serious about moving on from running back Cedric Benson, the team's leading rusher the last four seasons, by signing former New England Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to a three-year, $9 million contract.

Step two was letting free-agent wide receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell, who had combined for nearly 30 percent of the team's receptions and receiving yards last season, walk away. To replace Caldwell and Simpson, the Bengals used a third-round pick on Mohamed Sanu. Either Sanu, Armon Binns or Brandon Tate will be asked to start opposite A.J. Green.

Changes on offense were not limited to the skill positions. The Bengals are in the process of replacing both of their starting guards from 2011, with Nate Livings departing via free agency (to the Dallas Cowboys) and the team opting to not bring back 35-year-old right guard Bobbie Williams. The Bengals brought in Travelle Wharton to replace Livings at left guard and used a first-round pick on Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler to man the right-guard spot. Both are physical upgrades.

The challenge facing offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and offensive line coach Paul Alexander is to fully integrate these new parts before the start of the regular season. Getting Green-Ellis involved shouldn't be a problem. To improve one of the league's least efficient rushing attacks (ranking 27th in rushing yards per play), the Bengals are moving to a committee approach in the backfield, which "The Lawfirm" should be comfortable with after never carrying the ball more than 230 times in a single season with the Patriots. The tougher tasks will be getting the inexperienced Sanu, Binns and Tate ready for larger roles and incorporating Wharton and Zeitler into the offensive line.

 

[Danish Bengal]

Either Sanu, Armon Binns or Brandon Tate will be asked to start opposite A.J. Green.

Marvin Jones? Shipley? This can't be set in stone yet, can it?

 

[cheese]

Either Sanu, Armon Binns or Brandon Tate will be asked to start opposite A.J. Green.

Marvin Jones? Shipley? This can't be set in stone yet, can it?

Shipley is seen just as a slot guy. I do think he has a good grip on that role here though so the loser for the #2 spot may not get much.Marvin Jones is probably not in the mix for snaps right now. I'm thinking he will take the Jerome Simpson path of floating on and off the active roster for at least a year.FWIW, I will be very surprised if Tate wins the #2 and I think he's got an outside shot of being a surprise cut. It's Sanu's job, but I think Binns has the talent to step in and keep the seat warm if they aren't ready for MS to play outside day 1.

 

[Faust]

Adam Jones, Bengals cornerback, a camp casualty?

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

"Around the League" is taking a look at each team's salary-cap situation heading into training camp. Next up: The Cincinnati Bengals.

Adjusted Cap Number: $131.198 million

Cap Room Remaining: $16.309 million

Best bargain: Andy Dalton is easily the biggest bargain on the Bengals. The No. 35 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft has a base salary of $612,009 and a cap number of $1,185,045 this season, which is less than the cost of the lowest restricted free agent tender.

Potential camp casualty: How many current and former first-round cornerbacks can one team have at the same time? With 2007 first-round pick Leon Hall coming off a torn Achilles, the Bengals beefed up their cornerback position in free agency with former first-round cornerbacks Terence Newman (2003) and Jason Allen (2006). Then Cincinnati used the first of its two first-round picks, the one obtained from the Oakland Raiders in the Carson Palmer trade, on Dre Kirkpatrick.

With 2001 first-round pick Nate Clements coming off a fairly strong season, 2005 first-round pick Adam Jones could have a hard time staying on the Bengals. Jones was re-signed to a one-year deal in March, but only his $75,000 signing bonus is guaranteed.

Contract issue looming in 2013: The Cincinnati Bengals used the franchise tag on kicker Mike Nugent this offseason, a rather luxurious use of the tender that they will not be afforded in 2013 when all three starters in a very thin linebacker corps are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. The versatile Michael Johnson, who has played both defensive end and linebacker in his four seasons with the Bengals, and had six sacks and five passes defensed, is also headed toward unrestricted free agency next offseason.

Another 2013 unrestricted free agent is right tackle Andre Smith, who was a disappointment during his first two seasons in the NFL. The Bengals declined to pick up a second option bonus in his contract, a decision that voided the final two years (2013-14) of the deal. In 2011, the light bulb (above his head, not in his refrigerator) came on for Smith, who had a pretty good season opposite Andrew Whitworth.

 

[Faust]

Bengals' Gresham not lacking in potential

Posted July 22, 2012 @ 2:42 p.m. ET

By Mike Wilkening

Four teams had a wide receiver and a tight end make the Pro Bowl a season ago. That list includes the Bengals, who got a monster first NFL season from rookie WR A.J. Green and increased production out of second-year TE Jermaine Gresham. Green, already one of the game’s most feared big-play receivers, has a very bright future, but don’t overlook Gresham, who hauled in 56 passes for 596 yards and six TDs in 2011. We’re told that Gresham, who’s just 24 years old, has room yet to improve. There's some sentiment inside the club that Gresham has the potential to be a standout dual threat at the position, consistently excelling as a receiver and a blocker. Said head coach Marvin Lewis in June: “Jermaine going to the Pro Bowl last year was the best teaching, coaching experience we could ever have with him for him to mature. He's a different man — very, very confident in himself.”

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Dre Kirkpatrick just had a knee injury. Don't know severity, but he apologized for it on twitter.

 

[pghrob]

I am really looking forward to the competition for the 2nd wr position opposite Green. Most have Sanu as the favorite. Waldman's 4th best rookie WR from the 2012 crop is Marvin Jones and then you have Binns and Tate as well. Should be a good battle. The Bengals have promising young talent at the position.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I am really looking forward to the competition for the 2nd wr position opposite Green. Most have Sanu as the favorite. Waldman's 4th best rookie WR from the 2012 crop is Marvin Jones and then you have Binns and Tate as well. Should be a good battle. The Bengals have promising young talent at the position.

Agreed, Jones is particularly interesting as the rumor mill has him anywhere from WR2 to not making the team (Marvin Lewis hasn't exactly been talking him up). Ultimately, I think Gresham will probably be the #2 receiver on the team in terms of fantasy production.-QG

 

[BigJohn]

Tate sits at #2 for now.

Sanu not even on the 3 deep.

Kirkpatrick listed at #4 also.

Seeing this depth chart on screen really makes me realize this team is deeper than I originally thought.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Tate sits at #2 for now.Sanu not even on the 3 deep.Kirkpatrick listed at #4 also.Seeing this depth chart on screen really makes me realize this team is deeper than I originally thought.

Agreed, though I'm curious if some of it is motivational (Marvin Jones is way down low as well).I get the feeling that the WR2 will be more spread out this year. Will be fun to see. Happily they are playing the Jets for preseason week one so I'll get to see 'em on TV.Who Dey -QG

 

[ATC1]

Anything on how Dan Herron has looked? Late flyer for rookie drafts?

 

[domvin]

Jets should be scouting Bengal Wrs tonight......they are so thin.

Tate

Binns

Sanu

Jones

Whalen

Hawkins

Shipley

Not counting Green, and Lewis' penchant for keeping 5-6 wrs, 2-3 of these guys are gonna wind up elsewhere, and they have talent. Will be a shame if we can't get anything for them and just cut them.

 

[jurb26]

Jets should be scouting Bengal Wrs tonight......they are so thin.TateBinnsSanuJonesWhalenHawkinsShipleyNot counting Green, and Lewis' penchant for keeping 5-6 wrs, 2-3 of these guys are gonna wind up elsewhere, and they have talent. Will be a shame if we can't get anything for them and just cut them.

Steeler will be paying attention as well.

 

[bcat01]

Three starters down in first 3 series. Maualuga, Dunlap and Wharton all knee injuries. Wharton was carted off.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Aside from the injuries, I'm quite happy with how the team looked against the Jets. Controlling the line of scrimmage, especially on defense. Wide receivers with some impressive catches (hated Green's drop but loved that he got so open). With our surplus at WR it wouldn't surprise me if we end up trading one for a late round pick (I hear there's a job opening in Miami). Dalton looked good against the pressure - he is fearless standing in there unlike a certain quitter who certainly was not during the last part of his Bengals career. Just hope they can keep the injury bug away for the rest of the preseason.

Who Dey

-QG

 

[notdarkyet]

I heard bad news for Wharton, good news for Rey. Any word on Dunlap?

What do you guys think of the hubbub over Marvin supposedly requesting Rex not run the Wildcat? I think the request makes sense in that you are trying to evaluate players and the vast majority of the NFL isn't messing with that crap, and when they do it will be gameplanned. Also thought it was pretty weak of Rex to throw that out there hinting that it was on account of being afraid to face it. I don't see that being a probable reason.

Stoked to see Vontaze make a few plays. Disappointed that AJ dropped that TD pass and the overall performance in the redzone. That has been the Bengals Achilles heel for some time.

 

[notdarkyet]

Dunlap out a month, Lawfirm out a game.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/13/carlos-dunlap-out-a-month-green-ellis-out-a-game-for-bengals/ clip

Guard Travelle Wharton was lost for the season and two defensive starters, linebacker Rey Maualuga and defensive end Carlos Dunlap, sprained knees before the game was five minutes old. Maualuga isn’t expected to miss much time, but coach Marvin Lewis said Sunday that Dunlap is going to be out a month as he recovers from his injury. That makes it three years in a row with truncated preseason work for Dunlap.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I think Marvin and Rex are friends. Whether or not Marvin really requested they don't run the wildcat could be up for debate. Doesn't matter either way IMO.

-QG

 

[duaneok66]

Quiz,

What's Sanu doing? I haven't heard a thing on him.

 

[Hoosier16]

Lawfirm out a game.

With Scott also out, I wouldn't mind seeing Peerman get the start over Leonard.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Quiz, What's Sanu doing? I haven't heard a thing on him.

Other than impersonating Tebow in practice before game 1, I'm not sure actually. Perhaps we'll see him more vs the Falcons.-QG

 

[Donnybrook]

KFFL reporting that Jordan Shipley has been cut. I haven't been following his carreer as a Bengal so I am a little surprised. Is he injuried?

 

[cheese]

KFFL reporting that Jordan Shipley has been cut. I haven't been following his carreer as a Bengal so I am a little surprised. Is he injuried?

If true, not a big surprise. The bottom line is he couldn't stay on the field and he was behind a cheaper Andrew Hawkins for the slot role. That probably means Marvin Jones and Hawkins have made the team.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Yeah, the writing has been on the wall for Shipley for a little while, unfortunately. Sounds like the knee is still an issue and there's a boatload of hungry young receivers on the team now. It's a shame it worked out this way and I'm sure he'll get another chance (perhaps with Brat in Jacksonville). On the flip side it's exciting in that we have so many good options that he was made expendable.

Btw, Herron had 4 carries for 4 yards and looks buried - I think Brown is ahead of him as well. Perhaps practice squad material but I don't think he'll make an impact with the Who Deys this year by the look of things.

-QG

 

[duaneok66]

I feel for Shipley; he had a very good rookie season.