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.

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