Bengals Quarterback Tyler Hansen Optimistic After Rookie Minicamp

Bengals quarterback Tyler Hansen, an undrafted free agent out of Colorado, took part in this weekend's rookie minicamp and there's a good chance he'll be given an opportunity to compete for a spot on the 2012 roster. Obviously not as the team's starting quarterback and probably not Bruce Gradkowski's backup job. But it's logical to conclude that Hansen will be competing for the team's third-string quarterback position.

The Bengals will likely head into training camp this year with all four quarterbacks currently signed onto the offseason roster. Hansen's best chance to make the team will be simple. Outperform incumbent third-stringer Zac Robinson. But it won't happen immediately. In the meantime Hansen is absorbing the experience of being in the NFL, writes Adrian Dater with The Denver Post.

"It was like a shock. It was, 'Wow, I'm in the NFL.' It was surreal," said Hansen, who signed as an undrafted rookie with the Bengals, along with former Buffs teammate Rodney Stewart, a running back. "It was something I dreamed about all the time as a kid and suddenly it was here. You walk in and you see the logo and then you get dressed. My wristbands say NFL on them, my helmet says NFL on it. The first practice we had on Friday, I was geeked up. I was so hyperactive, I really needed to calm down."

Hansen finished the rookie minicamp rather optimistic of his performances.

"I think I did everything that was asked of me over the weekend and thought it went really well," said Hansen, CU's fourth all-time leading passer with 5,705 yards. "I wouldn't say the speed is any different, because I played in a fast conference, in the Pac-12 and the Big 12 with CU. But you have to make quicker decisions. I think I'm in a good spot right now."