On Thursday, the Bengals signed Maurice Purify -- undrafted wide receiver out of Nebraska. The 6'4" receiver played in two seasons with the Huskers recording 91 receptions, 1,444 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns. Purify was ranked as the 40th best wide receiver coming into the NFL by Scouts, Inc. with a big "C" flag for two separate incidents. The first, Purify was charged with "two counts of assault, resisting arrest, trespassing and failure to comply after a May 5 (2007) incident at a downtown bar. Purify was accused of throwing a man over a table, hitting him several times and striking the man's girlfriend." Later in the year, he was pulled over for driving while intoxicated. He was then suspended indefinitely from the team. A Lancaster County judge sentenced Purify to a year on probation after a deal was made with prosecutors to drop the charge of failing to comply with police and reducing the trespassing charge to disturbing the peace.

He was quickly reinstated after the court's ruling and felt "grateful" for the second chance. JReilly posted a scouting report from NFL Draft Countdown. Here's Scouts, Inc. too:

Strengths: Excellent size for a wide receiver. Is tall with adequate bulk and room on his frame to get bigger. Displays adequate-to-good straight-line speed for his size. Uses his size to create separation from man-coverage and shield defenders from the ball. Outstanding weapon in the red zone. Seems to be at his best working the sideline on intermediate-to-deep routes. Wins most jump balls with wingspan, leaping ability and long arms. He can overpower most defensive backs at the point of attack as a stalk blocker.

Weaknesses: Not a crisp route-runner. Rounds off too many of his routes. Takes too long getting in and out of his cuts. Struggles at times to catch passes thrown below his waist. Lacks elusiveness and initial burst to be a homerun threat after the catch. Effort as a run blocker is spotty and technique must improve. Former JUCO transfer comes with significant character baggage. He was suspended indefinitely from the Nebraska football team on June 8th, 2007 following his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving, his second run-in with law enforcement in five weeks. He had been charged with two counts of assault, resisting arrest, trespassing and failure to comply after a May 5 incident at a downtown bar in Lincoln, NE and Nebraska suspended him fore the season opener consequently.

Overall: Purify enrolled at City College of San Francisco CC out of high school, compiling 92 receptions for 1,762 yards and 30 touchdowns in two seasons (2004-'05). He transferred to Nebraska in 2006, playing in 14 games (five starts) and grabbing 34 receptions for 630 yards (18.5 average) and seven touchdowns that season. As a senior, he had 57 catches for 814 yards (14.3 average) and nine TDs in 11 games. He also threw a 28-yard touchdown pass (in '06) and had three career rushing attempts for 16 yards. Purify was suspended for the 2007 opener after separate off-field incidents in which he was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault (among other charges) and was cited for suspicion of driving under the influence. He is the uncle of former Colorado running back Bobby Purify. Purify is a tall, rangy receiver that flashed his big-play ability during his first season at Nebraska (2006). However, the former JUCO transfer has had two separate run-ins with the law during the off-season leading up to his senior season and he doesn't always give his best effort on the field so he projects as a seventh round pick.

Purify becomes the sixth different wide receiver the Bengals have acquired since the 2008 NFL Draft. The seventh in the off-season -- if you include Doug Gabriel.

 

The Indianapolis Colts could be in discussions with Jim Steiner, Shaun Alexander's agent, writes Geoff Hobson. Which, of course, is probably an overstatement for an agent to increase the player's demands. Either way, Steiner says that he and his client will review their visits with the Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints to see where everyone is. While the Bengals haven't made an offer just yet, Stampede Blue writes that Dominic Rhodes is "likely back in the fold". That would "likely" knock Alexander out of the fold for the Colts. NFL Network's Adam Schefter has named the Denver Broncos as potentially interested.

To me, teams would be foolish to let two luke-warm teams interested in a former MVP running back to go without interest. This is, without a doubt, Alexander's season to either leave the NFL or build a second-wind for his career. He probably won't cost much because the demand just isn't out there.

Bengals head coach admitted to our biggest fan, Peter King, why the Bengals are restocking wide receivers. It's not just Chad Johnson threatening to sit out. It's not just the Bengals cutting Chris Henry after his fifth arrest. It's also a likelihood that the Bengals might not be able to sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh after his contract is up this season.

"T.J.'s at the end of his contract this year,'' Lewis said, "and I don't know if it's possible to re-sign him. Chad says he won't play without a trade. We just have to be prepared for anything this year, and for the future.''

We've spoken at length this off-season when Chad Johnson's career suicide campaign begun after the season was over. Once Chris Henry was cut, and Chad Johnson being, well, Chad, we figured that T.J. could be another departed because his deal will be up after the season and we're sure that the Bengals wouldn't pay the value that T.J. believes he'd deserve. And who can blame T.J. for wanting to try the free agent market. He's getting older and this will likely be his final chance at a big-time contract that we know the Bengals won't hand out.

We wonder though if the team doesn't intend to sign T.J. for different reasons, but similar to Chad Johnson, after "league sources" surfaced that Chad and T.J. were trying to run the team even shouting at mega-messiah, Carson Palmer. The Pro Football Talk guys wrote in mid-December:

A league source tells us that there is growing animosity in the Bengals locker room toward receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Per the source, both are yelling "all the time" at quarterback Carson Palmer, but coach Marvin Lewis doesn't say or do anything about it. Players are also upset that the two receivers are trying to "run the team."

The situation reminds us of the latter days of the Denny Green era in Minnesota, where receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss were berating quarterback Daunte Culpepper and operating under a separate set of rules.

I'm not saying one way or another, but we do wonder.

Now that the Bengals have announced their college free agent signings, I thought now would be a good time to examine them. All eight signed a two-year contract. UPDATE: We have the off-season chart updated . If there's anything we missed, let us know.

James Blair, G, 6'3", 323 lbs, Western Michigan (Scouts, Inc)

Strengths: Massive and engulfs undersized defenders. Has a low center of gravity, has adequate lower body strength and flashes the ability to drive defenders off the ball. Gets adequate hand placement and flashes the ability to sustain blocks once in position. Gets adequate not great knee bend in pass sets and rarely gives ground to bull rushers. Shows adequate lateral mobility and can slide with defenders.

Weaknesses: Takes too long to get out of stance and is going to have problems keeping one-gap defenders out of the backfield. Fails to deliver a powerful initial punch, doesn't explode into blocks and isn't going to jar defenders at the point of contact. Doesn't always take sound angles to downfield blocks, struggles to adjust to the moving target in space and has some problems getting into position at the second level. Lacks ideal range and isn't fast enough to get around the corner when asked to pull. Can slide with defenders but takes too long to redirect and is vulnerable to double moves. Lacks ideal initial quickness, doesn't have long arms and has problems preventing edge rushers from turning the corner. Doesn't have ideal strength for size, carries too much weight for frame and appears to wear down at times.

Overall: After redshirting his first year at Western Michigan (2003), Blair appeared in nine games as a freshman in 2004. He played 10 games (five starts) in 2005, then made 10 starts in 13 games as a junior in 2006. Last season Blair started all 12 games at right tackle for the Broncos. Blair's lack of initial quickness and athleticism raise questions about his ability to hold up as a pass blocker on the edge so he may actually be a better fit at guard where he's quick and big enough to develop into an effective backup. Additionally, he may have to lose some weight while adding some upper body strength so he is a bit of a developmental prospect. Blair projects as a seventh round pick consequently.

Justin Britt, G/C, 6'4", 302 lbs, Alabama. (Sports Illustrated)

POSITIVES: Tough, intelligent blocker who works hard until the whistle blows. Plays with excellent pad level, keeps his head on a swivel, and uses all his assets to their maximum. Shows the ability to pull across the line of scrimmage and block in motion. Plays with balance and technically sound.

NEGATIVES: Lacks bulk and strength and cannot finish blocks. Struggles sliding laterally in pass protection.

ANALYSIS: Britt has done a solid job in only two seasons on the offensive line. He offers potential in a zone blocking system and should only get better as he physically matures and adds bulk to his frame.

Simeon Castille, CB, 6'0", 195 lbs, Alabama (Scouts, Inc.) Castille was flagged for character issues after a disorderly conduct charge which appears to be he and some buddies horsing around.

Strengths: Instinctive DB with very good playing experience. At his best when he can keep the play in front of him. Reads quarterbacks' eyes well and gets a quick jump on the ball. Is an assertive playmaker when the ball is in the air. He's aggressive in every aspect of the game. Displays good ball skills. Spends a lot of time working in the slot, which allows him to be active versus the run and occasionally as a pass rusher when turned loose on the blitz. Is tough for his size. Fills hard versus the run and is a solid open-field tackler. Has good experience on special team's and should be able to contribute on multiple units in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Lacks good top-end speed. Shows stiffness in his hips. Takes too long in transition and will get beat deep if he doesn't turn early enough to protect himself. Lacks catch-up speed when the ball is in the air. He is forced to give too much of a cushion at times, which occasionally leaves him vulnerable to the comeback route. Quicker WR's can shake him with sharp double moves. While tough, he is somewhat lean and lacks ideal overall strength especially if moved to fulltime safety in the NFL. He will struggle to hold up in the box, as bigger blockers can engulf him if they get in position and into his pads. Character is a concern following 2007 arrest (see: History). Mental capacity also is a concern after he missed the Cotton Bowl (2005 season) due to academic reasons.

Overall: In his first three seasons at Alabama (2004-06), Castille appeared in 35 games (16 starts) and recorded 107 tackles (10.5 for losses), three forced fumbles, 21 pass breakups and nine interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. As a senior in 2007, he started all 13 at left cornerback and had 63 tackles (6.5 for losses), 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He has experience on the left and right sides and as a roaming DB-type, and also had six career punt returns for 60 yards (10.0 average). Castille sat out one game in '04 after suffering an MCL sprain in his right knee. He was arrested in August '07 and later found guilty of disorderly conduct, which currently is in the appeal process. Castille is not fluid or fast enough to be left alone in man-to-man coverage with any frequency in the NFL, and he's too small to project as a fulltime starting safety. There are also concerns regarding his problems in the classroom and off-the-field. However, if Castille can get stronger and continue to improve his recognition skills, he has the natural instincts, ball skills and toughness to contribute as a sub-package DB  ideally in a zone-heavy scheme. He's also capable of contributing on multiple special teams' units, which helps his cause as a mid-to-late round prospect.

Bradley Glatthaar, RB, 5'11", 245 lbs, Cincinnati (Sports Illustrated)

BIOGRAPHY: Part of a three-back rotation the past two seasons and totaled 48/142/8 on the ground as a senior with three receptions. Led the team in rushing as a sophomore posting 139/620/7.

POSITIVES: Fluid ball-carrier with nice size. Waits for blocks to develop, finds the cut-back lanes, and shows the ability to get around the corner. Smooth for a big man, yet also strong on the inside. Breaks tackles to pick up yardage off initial contact.

NEGATIVES: Not an elusive ball-carrier who makes defenders miss or creates yardage. Marginally productive as a pass-catcher.

ANALYSIS: Glatthaar is a nice-sized ball-carrier with potential as a short-yardage runner.

Anthony Hoke, LB, 6'0", 238 lbs, Cincinnati (NFL Draft Countdown)

Strengths:
Good athleticism...Great speed and quickness with a burst...Excellent pass rusher and a terror off the edge...Offers a lot of potential on special teams...Coming off a fantastic senior campaign..Has showcased some coverage ability..Very productive.

Weaknesses:
'Tweener who may not have a true pro position..Undersized and doesn't have the ideal height or bulk you look for...Motor runs hot and cold...Relies too much on his speed...Not very strong...Poor instincts and awareness...Questionable work ethic.

Notes:
Played defensive end in college but he'll most likely have to move to linebacker at the next level...Is the Bearcats second all-time leading sacker behind only Antwan Peek...Played middle linebacker at the Hula Bowl...Cincy has a knack for producing front seven defensive prospects as of late and he will try and be the next...A nice developmental prospect whose best fit at the pro level may come in a 34 scheme.

James Johnson, RB, 5'11", 202 lbs, Kansas St. (Sports Illustrated)

BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who became a full-time starter last season and posted career-high numbers of 174/1106/12 on the ground and 34/220 as a pass-catcher. Junior-year totals included 403 rushing yards.

POSITIVES: Explosive straight-line ball-carrier who works hard. Quickly gets through the hole, possesses a burst of speed, and can run to daylight in the open field. Displays good vision, avoids piles, and keeps his feet moving up the field.

NEGATIVES: Mostly a straight-line runner who shows marginal quickness trying to cut back against the grain. Lacks the frame to be an interior runner.

ANALYSIS: Johnson is a competitive ball-carrier who could find a spot on a roster as a third running back.

Michael Marquardt, DT, 6'3", 292 lbs Arizona State (Sports Line)

Positives: Has adequate muscle tone and a frame that can carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk without the additional weight affecting his agility … Best when used in a rotation system to keep him fresh … Speed is limited, but he has good initial quickness off the snap to gain advantage on a lethargic blocker … Keeps his hands active to defeat low blocks and shows good field vision to locate and close on the ball … Recognizes blocking schemes and makes good adjustments to combat them … Has the functional lateral range to work down the line in short-area pursuit … Has the hand strength to shock with his punch, but his overall power base is marginal-to-adequate … Active with his hands in attempts to disengage and has enough looseness in his hips to spin off blocks … Shows good urgency to pressure the quarterback, if he gets a free lane into the backfield (will struggle to split double teams) … Has good hand strength to wrap up and take the ballcarrier down … When he keeps his pads down, he has good success flashing off the snap to generate a quick gap charge.

Negatives: Has adequate agility and balance on the move, but lacks the timed speed and overall quickness to give chase on long pursuit … Uses his hands well to defeat blocks, but his overall strength level is marginal for a player his size … Over-aged prospect who will be 26 by the time he arrives in 2008 training camp … Lacks the second step to impact the backfield after he sheds the block … Even when he gets into the backfield, he will not be one who can constantly pressure the pocket due to poor speed … Has good lateral moves working down the line, but looks sluggish redirecting after he plays off a block … Shows good body control making a tackle, but does not show the raw power to explode behind his hits … When he comes off the blocks high, he is instantly pushed out of the rush lanes … Has a strong hand punch, but lacks the technique to counter or beat blocks if his initial move fails.

Compares To: BRIAN YOUNG-New Orleans … Marquardt has good initial quickness off the snap, but is more of a stay-at-home type who is best when the action comes to him rather than pursuing it. He has enough lateral range to flash down the line and when he stays low in his pads, he has decent gap penetration skills. He is just too slow to impact the pocket on a steady basis. He has a strong punch to shock and jolt, but poor technique in attempts to shed. He will need to get stronger and quicker if he hopes to get out of 2008 training camp with a roster spot, but he will be 26 by the time the season begins, a little late to start trying to rectify his deficiencies.

Tyler Whaley, FB, 5'11", 252 lbs, tOSU (ohio state scout)

Geoff Hobson writes that the Bengals will be hosting Shaun Alexander on Monday. Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, is quoted as saying "Shaun wants to get an idea how the Bengals would use him and I'm sure the Bengals would like to talk to him."

My guess. Not much. If the Bengals do sign Alexander, then they'd likely cut Rudi Johnson. Rudi Johnson is scheduled to make $3.2 million in base pay and cutting him would actually be a cap savings of just under $3 million -- which could be applied to Alexander on a short-term deal. This is the second to last season under contract for Johnson.

Sure, it would drive both men to be the best and win the spot. Both backs sported a small yards-per-carry average last season in an off-year for both men.

Like someone said on these pages, it's a potential feel good story (how did that work out for Griffey?), but there's really no benefit that the Bengals could have with Alexander and Rudi.

Poll

Which of the following would you prefer?

• Sign Alexander and cutting Rudi Johnson
• Keeping Rudi Johnson and not signing Alexander
• Sign Alexander and keep both men

  166 votes | Results

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

On Thursday, Bengals quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick signed his one-year tender worth $927,000 as a restricted free agent. It was rumored that the Green Bay Packers had an interest for Fitzpatrick in an effort to build their depth at Quarterback after Brett Favre unexpectedly retired.

The Bengals will have four quarterbacks signed heading into training camp; Carson and Jordan Palmer, Fitzpatrick and sophomore Jeff Rowe. Fitzpatrick is likely to resume the backup role while Rowe and Jordan compete for that coveted third-string spot.

The exchange between two bad defensive teams continues. After the Bengals picked up two Arizona Cardinals linebackers, the Cardinals in turn, signed unrestricted free agent, Bryan Robinson to a two-year deal on Monday. Robinson had his lockerroom cleared early and no one expected the 33-year old to be re-signed.

Also, Arrowhead Pride writes that the Kansas City Chiefs signed Chris Manderino to a two-year deal Monday.

The Bengals are down to four defensive ends after Jimmy Verdon was released Friday. Antwan Odom signed a five year deal in March to become -- we're simply projecting here -- a situational pass rusher. The other bookend likely starting kickoff weekend is Robert Geathers. Both ends are signed through 2012. That leaves Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker as the back ups which, in all reality, isn't that strong.

Undoubtedly the team will draft an end. Perhaps two if not three and let Rucker do what he does best. Not play.

In the article referenced above -- the one where only Glenn Holt signed that was updated to show three ER-FA signed -- the Bengals have Rashad Jeanty and Corey Mays under contract for 2008 -- both linebackers. This gives the Cincinnati Bengals 12 linebackers signed for 2008 -- including David Pollack and Odell Thurman. They are, in no particular order:

Linebacker	Age	Seasons	Games	Started
Rashad Jeanty	24	2	22	16
Ahmad Brooks	23	2	13	7
Dhani Jones	30	8	109	83
Jim Maxwell	26	4	36	--
Corey Mays	24	2	20	1
Anthony Schlegel	26	2	17	5
David Pollack	25	2	14	6
Eric Henderson	25	1	0	0
Odell Thurman	24	1	16	16*
Darryl Blackstock	24	3	46	--
Roy Manning	26	3	21	--
Brandon Johnson	24	2	9	--

Only Brooks, Jones, Schlegel, Pollack and Thurman are signed beyond 2008. The team's linebackers are mostly filled with young inexperienced linebackers -- Rashad Jeanty and Dhani Jones account for 74% of total starts by linebackers signed for 2008.