Bengals Bytes (3/5): Bringing in a big haul

Despite disastrous combine, Orlando Brown’s Bengals connections run deep
For fans of the Cincinnati Bengals and otherwise, all one will hear about Oklahoma offensive tackle Orlando Brown right now is his miserable performance at the 2018 NFL scouting combine. And rightfully so — Brown didn’t look right from the beginning, weighing in at 345 pounds but only bench pressing 225 pounds 14 times. He also only ran a 5.85 40-yard dash and got yelled at by coaches during drills

Bengals miss on Kurt Coleman, who reportedly agrees to 3-year deal with Saints
The Cincinnati Bengals lost out on their first free agent target of 2018 early Saturday morning when safety Kurt Coleman agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints. Word broke Friday the Bengals met with Coleman at the NFL combine, and it was apparent he was a big focus for the team and new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

Bengals should target scouting combine superstar Shaquem Griffin in 2018 NFL draft
Shaquem Griffin, a linebacker out of UCF, was the talk of the NFL Sunday at the 2018 NFL scouting combine. Griffin, initially projected to be a fifth or sixth-round draft pick, surprised everyone in Indianapolis. Now, his draft stock might even have him going in the third round — where a team like the Cincinnati Bengals should have an interest.

Cincinnati Bengals searching for big bodies in NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals’ rebuilding process likely will begin along the offensive line, and personnel director Duke Tobin is encouraged by the depth of this year’s draft at those positions.

Bengals believe in Andy Dalton but are in market for a backup
Andy Dalton has had mediocre seasons the past two years. He was sacked 80 times combined and in 2017 completed only 59.9 percent of his passes, which is his lowest percentage since his rookie season. The Bengals have hired a new offensive line coach and new quarterbacks coach in an attempt to turn around the offense.

Big haul?
This just may be the draft the Bengals go big or go home. Maybe not right away at No. 12. But they have four picks in the first 100 and could/should/would end up with three offensive and defensive linemen in the first two days before heading into the fourth round on the last day on April 28.

TDBH: Palmer gets his man when he recruits WR Coles
Carson Palmer shows just how much power a franchise quarterback wields today when the Bengals match T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s departure in free agency with the signing of another 31-year-old reliable veteran wide receiver in the Jets’ Laveranues Cole. After making the pitch to head coach Marvin Lewis over the weekend, Palmer phones Coles and by Wednesday the Bengals are releasing a statement announcing a four-year contract with a rare quote from the signee. “The Bengals were very aggressive right from the start in talking to us and when a team makes you feel really wanted, that’s a factor you’re not going to ignore,” Coles says. “They said, 'Let's get this worked out,’ and we did.

Random Bytes

Aldon Smith Being Sought by Police After Domestic Violence Incident
Aldon Smith, who last appeared in an NFL regular-season game for the Oakland Raiders in 2015, is the suspect in a domestic violence incident. According to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area, San Francisco Police confirmed they are searching for Smith after the events that unfolded Saturday evening. Police found a victim who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, although the suspect, identified as Smith, fled the scene.

Jarvis Landry Trade Rumors: Ravens, Bears Among 'At Least' 5 Teams Interested
There is apparently a heavy market for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears are reportedly two of at least five teams interested in a trade for the 25-year-old.

Combine Notebook: Bradley Chubb Separates from the Pack
Sunday at the NFL combine belonged to the Hog Mollies, edge-rushers and a new generation of hyper-athletic linebackers. And while Shaquem Griffin yet again stole the show with a dazzling performance in the 40-yard dash, it was Bradley Chubb who did the most to secure his NFL future.

Clock keeps ticking on a Drew Brees deal
Drew Brees has said it. Sean Payton has said it. Mickey Loomis has said it. Brees is, and will continue to be, a Saint. But here we are, seven weeks and one day removed from his team’s last game of the season and nine days away from the launch of free agency, and Brees still doesn’t have a contract. The Scouting Combine isn’t over yet (it almost is), which means there’s still a chance a contract will be hammered out before Loomis and agent Tom Condon leave Indianapolis.

Browns Rumors: Saquon Barkley 'Firmly in the Mix' at No. 1 in 2018 NFL Draft
The last time a running back went No. 1 overall, it was Penn State's Ki-Jana Carter in 1995. Twenty-three years later, Saquon Barkley may make history happen again. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Cleveland Browns are considering Barkley with the No. 1 overall selection following his stellar combine performance.