Bengals Bytes (6/15): Similar to Brady?

Bengals Bytes

Bernard sees hefty new contract as ‘reward’ from Bengals | www.journal-news.com
Giovani Bernard said he has some unfinished business with the Cincinnati Bengals. The three-year, $15.5 million contract extension the 24-year-old running back signed last week gives him a chance to complete it.

Brandon LaFell of Cincinnati Bengals says Andy Dalton could be similar to Tom Brady
In Andy Dalton, Brandon LaFell sees a quarterback who could one day be on par with one of the all-time greats: Tom Brady. "If we continue to take the steps we're making, Andy could be a similar player like that," LaFell said Wednesday.

Giovani Bernard's Cincinnati Bengals extension product of friendships - Cincinnati Bengals Blog- ESPN
Giovani Bernard wants to be part of history. It's one of the reasons the running back was compelled last week to finalize a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals that will keep him in stripes through the 2019 season.

5 observations/notes from June 14 Bengals mini-camp session | WKRC
CINCINNATI (Richard Skinner) - Here are five observations and notes from the Bengals' June 14 mini-camp session (the first of three such sessions), which was held inside Paul Brown Stadium :- Starting linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Rey Maualuga are a bit.

Quick hits: LaFell says Dalton better than advertised; Hunt used to pressure; Wright gives it a shot
New Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell never knew Andy Dalton was this good. "Watching them reel off (eight) straight wins (in '15), I knew he was pretty good," LaFell said before Wednesday's practice at mandatory minicamp. "But I've been here since April working with that guy (and AJ McCarron), he's way better than advertised."

AFC North Bytes

Ravens release OT Eugene Monroe after failing to make a trade - SBNation.com
After holding Eugene Monroe out of minicamp practice earlier in the week, the Baltimore Ravens made it clear that they were ready to move on from the veteran tackle. Unable to work out a trade, the team officially released the 29-year-old on Tuesday.

Cleveland Browns 2016 Training Camp Practice Schedule
The Cleveland Browns officially unveiled their 2016 NFL Training Camp Schedule on Wednesday. Training camp will begin on Friday, July 29. There will be 11 practices open to the public in Berea, and 1 Family Day Scrimmage in Columbus. After several years of conducting morning-only practice sessions, Hue Jackson is taking a different approach with all-afternoon practices.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell denies rumors of missed drug test
I am assuming other fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers reactions were the same when they heard through the social media grapevine of Le'Veon Bell reportedly missing an NFL mandated drug test.

Random Bytes

Walter Thurmond III is mashing softball home runs as 'Dick Mahoney' in his NFL retirement - SBNation.com
NFL players take up a variety of activities once their playing days are over. Some go into coaching or even politics. Patrick Willis works for a tech company in Silicon Valley. Walter Thurmond III may have found the best use of retirement, or at least as legend has it.

Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Dwight Freeney Isn't Done with You Yet, NFL
Dwight Freeney exceeded expectations for the Cardinals last season—the same thing he's done basically his entire career (and why he'll enter the Hall of Fame). He played in 11 games and had eight sacks and three forced fumbles. In Week 16, he had three sacks alone.

Facebook executive: Your News Feed will likely be "all video" in five years " Nieman Journalism Lab
A Facebook executive said Tuesday that she expects the social platform will probably be "all video" in five years. Videos are now viewed 8 billion times daily on Facebook, up from 1 billion a year ago, Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook's vice president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

New Madden NFL 17 video game notes; MMQB mailbag | The MMQB with Peter King
The Madden NFL 17 video game comes out this summer, and the EA executive producer shares some of the new features and changes. Plus mailbag topics include Patriot play-calling and a debate of John vs. Von.

Indianapolis Colts read mean tweets (VIDEO)
Mean tweets are the gift that keeps on giving. In this latest, non-Jimmy-Kimmel branded installment, Indianapolis Colts players players took part in the time-honored internet tradition. Among those reading include Vontae Davis. T.Y. Hilton and Adam Vinatieri.