Bengals Bytes (6/1): Beware the offseason hype

Bengals Jordan Willis can stop the run: Film Review
Cincinnati Bengals fans look at linebacker Carl Lawson when they think of edge rushers last season from their rookie class. Many forget about the defensive end that was drafted just before Lawson in Jordan Willis. While Lawson racked up 8.5 sacks last season which is the stat line that grabs the most attention, Willis played a limited role along the defensive line but shined against the rushing attack.

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis a favorite to be fired
One of them ranks Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis among the favorites to be the first coach fired in 2018, which is curious given that team owner and president Mike Brown had a chance to cut ties with Lewis at the end of last season and instead gave him a two-year contract extension.

Which NFL teams could be interested in trading for Teddy Bridgewater?
Dalton’s backup of the past four seasons is gone now that the aforementioned McCarron is a Bill. The depth chart behind him isn’t especially inspiring — and for that matter, neither was Dalton’s play in 2017. The longtime starter struggled with a depleted supporting cast, recording a career-low 207 passing yards per game in a 7-9 season.

Bengals John Ross shows speed at OTA's
The Cincinnati Bengals hosted their second week of voluntary OTA workouts this week and wide receiver John Ross continues to be a main focus of the headlines. After an incredibly disappointing rookie season, Ross has worked hard this offseason to get ready for a rebound season in 2018. Working out with wide receivers around the league, working with former Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and working hard in his first OTA’s (he was not available for OTA workouts last season), Ross has done everything to make Bengals fans feel confident.

Be wary of the offseason hype surrounding key Bengals
Ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of year again. No, not when we start ignoring the Cincinnati Reds and focus on our summer TV sit-coms. Nae! It is the time of year where the Cincinnati Bengals inner-media circle picks a select few players to pump up for the offseason.

'18 OTAs: Part 4 Gallery
The Bengals continue their off season work OTAs.

AFC North Bytes

Chukwuma Okorafor may have to 'answer the bell real fast' for the Steelers
Plenty of eyebrows were raised when the Steelers drafted offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor last month. Not only were starting tackles Marcus Gilbert and Alejandro Villanueva signed through 2019 and 2020, respectively, but Okorafor was widely viewed in scouting circles as a project, given his short history in the game.

MMA Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell Attends Training with Cleveland Browns
UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell was invited to Browns camp to teach them some fighting techniques as the Browns prepare for the upcoming season. More specifically, the focus was on body-to-body contact and manipulation which will come in handy during the game.

Random Bytes

Report: Redskins Executive Dennis Greene Resigns; Linked to Cheerleader Scandal | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Washington Redskins President of Business Operations Dennis Greene has reportedly resigned from his post amid his connection to the team's cheerleader scandal. According to Craig Hoffman of 106.7 The Fan, Greene stepped down and has been replaced by Brian Lafemina.

Delaware to Allow Sports Betting Starting Next Week After Supreme Court Ruling
Delaware is set to become the first state to offer Las Vegas-style sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court ended a federal ban on the practice in mid-May when it starts accepting single-game wagers next Tuesday. On Thursday, David Purdum of ESPN.com reported Delaware, which previously allowed NFL parlay bets, will now allow full-scale betting at three of its casinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino.

Every NFL Team's Biggest Mistake So Far This Offseason
Every team deals with bad signings, big departures, questionable draft decisions and unresolved talent issues. The realities of the salary cap, the constraints on the supply and demand of player acquisition and the human factor in decision-making processes always lead to mistakes.