Bengals’ Zeitler already looking like a force

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 06:15 AM

If their recent minicamp is any indication, the Cincinnati Bengals may have solved their problem at right guard when selecting Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler in the first round.

Zeitler was impressive and showed exactly what he’s made of, stonewalling his opponents and rarely being on the losing end during one-on-one drills.

“I feel like I knocked some rust off mixing it up,” Zeitler said. “Now I’m just trying to understand the new techniques Coach (Paul) Anderson has been trying to teach me. I want to improve each day and make the most of what I learned in practice.”

Zeitler is acknowledged for his strong run blocking and mean streak in the trenches. But the interior lineman also fares well when pass protecting. He did a considerable amount of it this past season with the Badgers. Wisconsin’s offense passed for the most yards in school history.

Zeitler’s biggest challenge will be getting acclimated to doing things the Bengals way.

“Pass protection technique is completely different here from anything I’ve ever done,” he said. “Anderson is a different type of coach. He says in our meeting that everything he does no one else will ever do. It’s just a matter of getting used to that. What he’s teaching is starting to stick. However, there are a lot of things I have to work on.”

Zeitler said the offense is similar to what he played in at Wisconsin. But getting used to the terminology is the challenging part.

It was hard not to be impressed by Zeitler’s versatility, strength, power and mobility in practice. His massive frame allowed him to anchor and become an unmovable force.

“I’m glad the Bengals took a chance on me,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win. I’m going to embrace Ohio and the culture around me. I’m excited to get out in the city and check out all the restaurants (laugh).”

Spoken like a true lineman.

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Bengals tight end Charles stands out in rookie minicamp

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Sunday, May 13, 2012, 09:18 PM

CINCINNATI — Several rookies made good impressions during the Bengals’ three-day minicamp over the weekend, but tight end Orson Charles, a fourth-round draft pick, may have been the most impressive.

Charles showed good receiving skills and the ability to get open deep. He also did a nice job running after the catch as well as blocking.

“The nice thing about Orson is his understanding and preparation,” tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes said. “I like that he’s on top of his assignments and really wants to learn. If he does something wrong, he will ask right away what can he do to fix it. I usually put it back on him and say you tell me how you can fix it or make it better. Those are the things that go through his mind and I like that about him. Orson wants to be the best he can be.”

Hayes is known for not sugar-coating things with his players. Charles got a taste of that hard-nosed coaching style while coming off the practice field Saturday, but all I heard was “Yes sir, yes sir.”

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Charles is considered slightly undersizes by NFL standards but is a gifted athlete who can create mismatches in the passing game. He has a quick burst off the snap and good straight-line speed to stretch the seam vertically. Charles plays faster than his 40-time (4.8) would indicate. He’s strong and built more like a linebacker with his sculpted physique. He also shows good versatility, having spent time in the backfield as an H-back and lead blocker.

“We have to use Orson to his strengths,” Hayes said. “We have to find his strengths and keep working those things. Everyone has weaknesses. We have to find the best things that suit him and accentuate those things to help the team win.”

Hayes played 12 seasons in the NFL at tight end and is entering his 10th season as Bengals tight ends coach. He’s largely responsible for the development of former No. 1 draft pick Jermaine Gresham, who was named to his first Pro Bowl after only his second year in the league.

“Well, I just try not to mess up Jermaine (laugh),” he said. “To be quite honest, you have to coach them, but you also have to give them enough rope to allow them to play and make mistakes. As a player, I always needed the opportunity to make mistakes so I could see how to correct the problem. I try to use the experiences I had in the past to allow them to see the big picture. I want to let them grow into a player where they can flourish in our offense.”

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Bengals sign draft pick Jones

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Friday, May 11, 2012, 04:00 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed fifth-round draft pick wide receiver Marvin Jones to a four-year, $2.262 million contract.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Jones was the second of three Bengals selections in the fifth round. He finished his four-year career at California with 156 catches for 2,270 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Cincinnati also signed second-round draft choice defensive tackle Devon Still of Penn State. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Ravens sign Upshaw

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Friday, May 11, 2012, 03:50 PM

The Baltimore Ravens have signed second-round draft pick defensive end Courtney Upshaw to a four-year, $5.29 million contract.

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Browns sign Benjamin

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Friday, May 11, 2012, 03:34 PM

The Cleveland Browns have signed fourth-round draft pick wide receiver Travis Benjamin to a four-year, $2.57 million contract.

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Herron ready to reward Bengals’ faith in him

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 09:11 PM

When Cincinnati selected Ohio State running back Dan “Boom” Herron in the sixth round of the draft, it raised some eyebrows. Many fans were expecting the Bengals to draft a quicker, more explosive scatback-type runner to complement their feature back. Herron is a one-cut, downhill runner much like departed starter Cedric Benson.

But I think Herron could be a late-round steal based on his production in college. Although he was overlooked, he’s an ideal fit for the team’s run scheme.

The running back dropped in the draft because teams were more focused on his 40-time (4.6) at the combine and not enough on game speed or production. Then there was the six-game suspension for violation of NCAA rules, which may have scared some teams off.

Herron had to overcome some adversity his senior year due to the sports memorabilia scandal he was involved in that rocked Buckeye Nation and landed the program on probation.

“It was a lesson I definitely learned,” Herron told Big C on Tuesday. “It was tough missing six games, but obviously I made a mistake at a young age and it came back to haunt me my last year. I actually learned so much from that situation. I feel like it has made me a better person and football player. Now before I make any decision I think twice. I think that situation will help me in life.”

Herron could have easily blazed a trail for the NFL after his junior season when he rushed for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns. He most likely would have been an early-round pick in the 2011 draft.

But the running back returned to O-State for his senior year and accepted the six-game suspension. Herron understood the unwanted attention he brought not only to the university but himself, and wanted to face it head on.

“I knew I did something wrong and I wasn’t going to up and leave the school like that,” he said. “I had the opportunity to turn pro but knew I made a mistake. I wanted to show I was man enough to stay there and take my punishment. I’m happy I stayed and I’m a better person for it.”

Despite the player’s lapse in judgment that led to his suspension, teammate never questioned his character. Herron was elected team captain by his teammates for the 2011 season after playing in only seven games. I was told by one former Buckeye teammate he is the type of guy you root for.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Herron is a good all-around back and gritty in short-yard situations. Herron may not have elite speed, but he does have the ability to break long runs. One of his longest runs was an 89-yard scamper off left tackle against Michigan. He’s a great between-the-tackles runner with good vision to find the cutback lanes. He also shows a willingness to block, picking up the blitz.

The Bengals will hold a three-day rookie minicamp beginning Friday, May 11. Herron appeared excited and ready to compete during our conversation.

“I’m honored the Bengals made me their sixth-round pick,” he said. “Being an Ohio kid and having the opportunity to play in my home state means a lot to me and my family. I’m thrilled and ready to get to Cincinnati and get to work.”

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Bengals third-round pick eager to get going

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Thursday, May 3, 2012, 10:47 PM

Cincinnati Bengals fans are gushing over the team’s draft, and rightfully so. After several years of disappointment they finally have reason to beat their chests.

The Bengals drafted several prospects who could have immediate impact. But the one who stands out for me is third-round pick defensive tackle Brandon Thompson. I believe he’s a player. He’s also revved up and ready to go.

“It was a blessing to be drafted by a great organization such as the Bengals,” Thompson said Thursday. “I plan on coming in and doing what’s required of me. Whatever they ask of me, I’ll do. I’ll do whatever it takes for this team to win. I want my new teammates to know they can depend on me to get the job done. I’m excited and ready to jump on ship and get this thing started.”

Clemson teammate Coty Sensabaugh, who was drafted in the fourth round by Tennessee, told me Thompson is passionate, a team leader and wants to win at all costs.

What the Bengals saw on film during the evaluation process was a dominant run-stuffer who played with high intensity.

The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Thompson clogged the middle for the Tigers. He is powerful (36 bench-press reps of 225 pounds at the combine) with quick feet, and a technician with a good work ethic.

“I like to study my opponents and myself a lot,” Thompson said. “I love watching film and being prepared. That’s the only way to improve your game. Aside from being physical, I think my best attribute is my knowledge of the game.”

There is expected to be fierce competition in training camp at the tackle position behind Domata Peko and Geno Atkins. Right now Thompson is home in Thomasville, Ga., waiting to report for rookie mini-camp May 11-12.

“It was amazing meeting Coach (Marvin) Lewis at the combine,” he said. “I knew then I wanted to play in Cincinnati. He’s a great coach and I’m ready to start playing for him. I’m just happy to be a Bengal.”

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