On Friday, the Bengals came to terms with defensive lineman Johnathan Fanene on a three-year deal. The Bengals are certainly preparing for a future without Justin Smith and Bryan Robinson by signing a younger Fanene who played well down the stretch. Furthermore, Hobson says that the signing could be another telling sign for the 3-4 conversion that many expect to happen.
On the off-season roster the Bengals have eight defensive linemen signed for 2008; Robert Geathers, Fanene, Frostee Rucker, John Thornton, Domata Peko, Michael Myers, Jimmy Verdon and Titus Adams -- Verdon and Adams are mostly practice squad players.
A variable is David Pollack who wishes to return to defensive end if he plays again. This might be the biggest clue as to whether the Bengals draft defensive end or tackle in the first round.