It was pointed out by loyal reader IgnatiusJReilly, that Eric Henderson, a hybrid DE/LB (if that's even the case) worked mostly with the defensive ends during Tuesday's OTA. Geoff Hobson projects that the Bengals will keep seven linebackers and four defensive ends. In 2007, the Bengals kept seven linebackers. In 2006, they kept eight.

If they keep eight (the higher number), we can project the following will make the team:

1. Odell Thurman
2. Keith Rivers
3. Dhani Jones
4. Ahmad Brooks
5. Rashad Jeanty
6. Corey Mays
7. Brandon Johnson
8. Darryl Blackstock

Guys like Jim Maxwell, Anthony Hoke and Dan Howell, unless they blow our freaking mind (man) will be casualties when the Bengals need to bring the roster to 53.

Now, let's presume the eight defensive linemen (a constant number in 2006 and 2007):

1. Antwan Odom (DE)
2. Robert Geathers (DE)
3. John Thornton (DT)
4. Domata Peko (DT)
5. Michael Myers (DT)
6. Jonathan Fanene (DE/DT)
7. Pat Sims (DT)
8. Eric Henderson (DE)

Guys like Titus Adams, Michael Marquardt and Antwon Burton would be the defensive line's casualties. But, as you noticed, where does Pat Sims go? As it is, the Bengals have three true defensive tackles and Fanene that's played end and tackle. He just signed a three-year deal, so we'd assume that the Bengals will dump Rucker in favor of Sims. Then where does Jason Shirley go? Obviously the Bengals won't let Odom, Geathers, Peko or Fanene go. Myers could be cut, as could Thornton (salary cap). But that's putting a lot more faith on a character guy that I believed the Bengals wouldn't take. Anyway, I removed Myers and Rucker.

1. Antwan Odom (DE)
2. Robert Geathers (DE)
3. John Thornton (DT)
4. Domata Peko (DT)
5. Pat Sims (DT)
6. Jonathan Fanene (DE)
7. Eric Henderson (DE)
8. Jason Shirley (DT)

It would seem to me, with those two units, that the Bengals are already set. Unless, of course, the underdogs start blowing people's minds. Guys like Myers and Rucker could be the first to go and the linebackers, Johnson and Blackstock aren't guaranteed a spot at all.

The starting gun you hear marks the start for voluntary camps -- the first of 12 practices. Linebacker is one of many positions where we're just not sure who will start, or even play.

The biggest story, thus far, is the return of Odell Thurman. The two questions are "where does he go?" and "will he even be ready?" Does he play middle linebacker like he did in 2005 nearly winning the defensive player of the year award? Personally, I think the Bengals would be foolish to not to play Thurman in the middle. He's our most talented linebacker, save Keith Rivers who we haven't seen play in a Bengals uniform yet.

Ahmad Brooks showed he can pass the rusher -- though mostly through the center. Do you put him in during passing downs in a 3-4 configuration overloading one side with Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom? Will Brooks even be with the team after accusations were made that he punched a woman? Will Rivers play weak-side and Dhani Jones strong-side? Where does that leave Rashad Jeanty? Will Jeanty beat out Jones and force Jones to back up and Special Teams?

From now until kickoff weekend, the Bengals certainly need to know where their pieces fall at linebacker.

The guys at Who Dey Revolution got a chance to speak with Chineum Ndukwe.

The Bengals and Shaun Alexander are still talking. Alexander left New Orleans without a contract offer.

Scout.com got a chance to chat with Keith Rivers.

There is no update or comment on Ahmad Brooks' who is schedule to appear in court June 6 to answer charges.

Ludwig provides commentary on the Bengals' acquisition on Maurice Purify.

After the Bengals released two linebackers, a scenario developed when serious allegations were brought against Ahmad Brooks for punching a Kentucky woman in the left eye. Whether or not they're true, and it's likely the entire country has already made up their mind, it puts a serious spotlight, once again, on the Bengals. Thus becomes the catch-22 for the team. If you don't release Brooks immediately, the Bengals will harbor women beaters. Granted, the allegations still have to be proven, but until they are, it's the perception. If they do release Brooks immediately, and the allegations prove false, then the team loses out on Brooks potential -- then again, it's not like he's proven anything on the field except for a few sacks. Brooks' loss becomes Odell Thurman's gain.

With the team's attempt at zero tolerance, and Chancellor Roger Goodell coming down hard on players, I wouldn't suspect that Brooks will be around much longer. Changing your team's image and perception doesn't include keeping players on roster that have allegations of punching a woman in the face. And lord knows that the Bengals attempt at changing perceptions is becoming either a task too big to handle, or a front to ease public perception.

But likely, judgment from fans, media and general observers have already made up their mind because of the recent known history of Bengals players. Most people will simply blame Marvin Lewis for bringing in these types of characters. Perhaps justified. Though I've made the point in the past that there seems to be struggle with the Bengals finding the balance between winning (with players known to have character problems) and being a bunch of good guys (while the team struggles to win). It's not impossible, though the Bengals struggle still to find that balance.

If Brooks is suspended from the league -- we know that Goodell will suspend even though they haven't been arrested or charged with anything -- then that would open the door for Odell Thurman -- say it with me... if... he's... ready -- to play outside linebacker opposite Dhani Jones. Thurman will have to beat out Rashad Jeanty who's played the position for the past two years while Thurman was working construction in Georgia.

In the meantime, a guy that's labeled as "high character" with the potential of long-lasting stability on defense with big-time leadership, is set to report to rookie camp Friday morning. The general belief is that Rivers is set to become the team's starting middle linebacker -- if everything goes accordingly.

The Enquirer is reporting that a woman is making claim that Bengals middle linebacker, Ahmad Brooks punched her in the face. Brooks is summoned answer the allegations in Boone District Court on June 6. (hat tip, Beer Run). Apparently, Brooks was having an argument with a neighbor when:

Brooks told the neighbor that he was going to “split his head open,” Rosich wrote in her statement.

That when she “nicely approached” Brooks and asked him to stop and “take it somewhere else,” according to the statement.

“He then pulled back his fist and struck (punched) me in the left eye,” Rosich wrote. “I then fell and blacked out.”

This will be interesting to see if the Bengals follow their self-imposed zero tolerance policy after a draft that was praised for high character (yet, questioned for taking Jason Shirley). This comes after the Bengals cut two linebackers -- not related to character issues -- and Chris Henry (related to character issues).

Last year, an assault claim was made against Odell Thurman and Chris Henry on separate incidents that were later dropped.

With Keith Rivers, and the obvious return of Odell Thurman, the Bengals linebacker corp. was starting to get crowded. It was unlikely that the Bengals would take all 13 linebackers (including unsigned Keith Rivers and Angelo Craig) into training camp. On Thursday, they waived Anthony Schlegel and Roy Manning -- two linebackers that I didn't think stood a chance at winning a roster spot. Manning signed a one-year deal in mid-March. Curnutte writes that the Bengals will be taking 10 linebackers into training camp assuming they get Rivers signed. In reality, the Bengals could have 11 with Angelo Craig -- who could just as easily be a "tweener" (played DE and OLB in college), but it's more likely Craig will be a defensive end rather than a linebacker simply due to the amount of linebackers on roster.

1. Ahmad Brooks
2. Rashad Jeanty
3. Dhani Jones
4. Keith Rivers (unsigned)
5. Odell Thurman
6. Eric Henderson
7. Daryl Blackstock
8. Brandon Johnson
9. Corey Mays
10. Jim Maxwell

CincyJungle made an upgrade. Read this first to get acquired to the site (like obtaining your old usernames).

After David Pollack's reported "lean" towards retirement, I thought it would be good to reexamine the team's linebackers -- and NOT talk about that jerkoff that runs around with Oil Slick's.

Let's first realize the obvious. It wasn't expected that David Pollack would drive into Georgetown, throw on some pads and start slamming bodies like a rackin' machen. There would be a season or two of discovering a comfort level like Palmer and his knee in 2006. So in most ways, the Bengals linebackers haven't shifted much in terms of managing the depth chart of their 53-man roster -- with the lone exception being Odell's reinstatement.

As of now, there's 11 linebackers signed with Cincinnati through 2008 -- five signed one-year deals this off-season. Rashad Jeanty, Ahmad Brooks and Dhani Jones are projected as the team's starting linebackers in a base 4-3 set (my assumption). Odell Thurman, if he shines during training camp, could unseat Brooks or join him over the middle in a base 3-4 set. In fact, if Odell plays to a tenth of what he did in 2005, I expect him to unseat Brooks anyway. I like big scary linebackers that play the role of bulldozer blowing up the "A-gap" blitzing the quarterback. But it would be safe to say that Brooks is still playing off his potential rather than his production.

Guys like Darryl Blackstock, Brandon Johnson, Roy Manning, Corey Mays and Jim Maxwell will compete for a roster spot and, most likely, be special teams players, barring injury to the starters. Eric Henderson, if all goes to plan which it never does, would likely become the first outside linebacker that either backs up the outside, or simply wins that position out-right. Corey Mays is also a solid backup.

With Odell Thurman returning. There's questions whether the Bengals will draft a linebacker early now that Odell Thurman in the mix. The obvious is, no. The team is basically set with linebackers and bodies for depth. Though I don't think that's a priority anymore. I still believe that if the team can't draft Sedrick Ellis, then drafting Keith Rivers early won't be a problematic choice. Though other choices could be just as beneficial. Our outside linebackers, while solid in their own right, are hardly the kings of talent. If we can upgrade through the draft, then we must. And granted, I know little of Rivers. Never much cared to watch USC games -- it was broadcasted late and these 30-year old bones are snapping awfully loud these days. So my question is this. Making the point that the team still needs to upgrade at linebacker, and if Ellis is gone, would drafting Keith Rivers first help the team's overall talent at linebacker to significantly improve the position? Or would the team be better off drafting elsewhere?