Bengals Banter: A Review Of A Busy Weekend

We had a busy weekend here at Cincy Jungle, so let's get to the bigger stories from the weekend.

+ Marvin Lewis stuff: Mike Brown has already approached Marvin Lewis about an extension multiple times; Andre Smith is becoming the player they thought they hoped they were drafting; Bengals tried moving Anthony Collins to offensive guard; Lewis wants fans to start showing up at Paul Brown Stadium; feels really good about Taylor Mays and Robert Sands at safety; wide receiver Armon Binns could have a chance to be that no. two wide receiver; the team needs to improve the overall rushing offense.

+ Leon Hall is well ahead of where Marvin Lewis thought he'd be recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury last season. Marvin Lewis added that Jordan Shipley's rehabilitation continues to make significant progress.

+ As the NFL Combine continues into Monday, our own Joe Goodberry offered up analysis with wide receivers and the offensive line, two areas that the Bengals could look at during the NFL Draft, which is still two months away.

+ Speaking of which the Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly spoken to Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway, wide receiver Junior Hemingway and LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle. We're sure that the list is much, much longer but we can't speculate on interviews and conversations that haven't been reported.

+ One NFL beat writer with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that the Bengals are interested in Arkansas wide receiver Jarius Wright.

+ One wide receiver that the Bengals aren't likely to acquire is Mario Manningham, who is expected to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

+ Cornerback Cortland Finnegan and the Tennessee Titans remain far apart on a contract. We don't think that the Bengals will go hard after a top-tier free agent cornerback this offseason. But it's still something worth keeping an eye on.

+ One NFL Insider believes that the Bengals will make a run for running back Michael Bush.

+ We take a look at the here and gone career of Bengals tight end Chase Coffman.

+ Pro Football Focus ranks the top defensive backs entering free agency on March 13.

+ Football Outsiders argues against taking a running back early in the NFL Draft.

+ Brian Billick identifies the secondary and pass rushers for the Cincinnati Bengals this year.