“I was definitely watching our picks, and I thought we did a very good job,” quarterback Andy Dalton said. “Getting (Kevin) Zeitler, the guard, I think he’s going to be a big pick-up for us. And we got a couple more weapons, so I’m excited.”
Dalton said he texted most of the picks to welcome them to the team, but offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth went a step further, meeting several of the newcomers for dinner Friday and Saturday night after they flew into town for their news conferences.
“I got a chance to talk to all of them and just kind of answer some questions they had coming in,” Whitworth said. “Mainly it was a chance to ensure them that this is a chance for them to reach their dreams and make a huge difference for themselves and their families. There’s nothing here but opportunity for them.”
Another reason players pay close attention to the draft is to see if there is a potential replacement on the way.
Rey Maualuga, one of three starting linebackers who are in the final year of their contract, said he was surprised, but encouraged, by the fact the Bengals didn’t draft a linebacker.
“I was sitting at home worried,” Maualuga said. “This was the first time I was actually glued to the TV, even the second day.
“You sit there and think, why didn’t they (draft a linebacker)?” he continued. “Now you’ve got your opportunity to have your one last year, showcase what you have, and show them that you’re all about business, and you’re all about this franchise, and that you’re going to do everything you can to help win games.”
Although the Bengals didn’t draft a linebacker, they did agree to terms with a big name at that position in Arizona State’s Vontaze Burfict. Considered a likely first-rounder a few months ago, Burfict saw his stock plummet following a series of missteps leading up to the draft.
Maualuga said he is anxious to meet Burfict and ensure him he is welcome and this is a new start.
“I can’t wait for him to get here,” Maualuga said. “I’m going to help him out in any way I can.”
While the Bengals have not officially released the list of undrafted free agents who will be attending the May 11-13 rookie minicamp, agent and player reports indicate at least 14 others will join Burfict.
They are: Ben Bojicic, C/T (Bowling Green), Derrius Brooks, CB (Western Kentucky), Tony Dye, S (UCLA), Bubba Forrest, DB (New Mexico), Tyler Hansen, QB (Colorado), Justin Hilton, WR (Indiana State), Brandon Joiner, DE (Arkansas State), Emmanuel Lamur, S (Kansas State), Justin Miller, DE (West Virginia), Kashif Moore, WR (Connecticut), Trevor Robinson, OG (Notre Dame), Taveon Rogers, WR (New Mexico State), Rodney Stewart, RB (Colorado) and Landon Walker, OT (Clemson).
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