Bengals News (2/20): Chad Johnson paying it forward

Mock Draft Round Up, national media members on who the Cincinnati Bengals will select in the 2020 NFL Draft
The 2020 NFL draft begins April 23. Until then many football writers and analysts will give their opinion on how the draft will unfold. There are still many steps to the offseason to go such as the combine, free agency and pro days at each of the college campuses.

Bengals players don't seem too happy with the media over negative NFL Draft speculation involving Joe Burrow
The 2020 NFL Draft might only be two months away, but that's probably going to feel like an eternity for Bengals fans, who have spent the past few weeks listening to rampant speculation about whether or not Joe Burrow actually wants to play in Cincinnati. Since mid-January, no one has had their words dissected more than Burrow. Over the past month, the former LSU quarterback has taken part in dozens of interviews, with some of those interviews leading people to believe he doesn't want to play for the Bengals, and some of those interviews leading people to believe that he'll be willing to play for any team that drafts him, including the Bengals.

Former Bengals Pro Bowler Willie Anderson calls media's Joe Burrow narrative 'garbage'
Former offensive lineman Willie Anderson, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1996 to 2007, tweeted that he's tired of media reports that Joe Burrow doesn't want to play for the Bengals, and encouraged fans to "go in on" media when they report such "garbage."

Former NFL executive weighs in Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals speculation: 'He has zero, zero, zero leverage'
It’s often hard to tell what’s real and what’s manufactured these days when it comes to speculation regarding the NFL Draft but one growing storyline heading into the 2020 NFL Draft is Joe Burrow’s willingness to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, the team that currently owns the No. 1 selection in the draft.

Former Cincinnati Bengal Chad Johnson pays Ohio woman’s rent, helps avoid eviction
The woman, whose Twitter location says she's from Columbus, tweeted Johnson and said, "@ochocinco you always blessing people.. I know this is a stretch but I need help with my rent, I haven’t paid this month and if I don’t pay today I’m being threatened to be evicted, can you please help??"

Bengals 2020 offseason player profile/projection: Randy Bullock
This offseason will be an important one for the Bengals as they try to rebuild the roster following a 2-14 finish in 2019, which marked their fourth straight losing season. With the free agency signing period set to begin on March 18, Local12.com is going to take a daily look at a player on the roster leading up to that date and where they stand contractually heading into the 2020 season and where they may fit on the 2020 roster. We will look at players under contract first followed by players who will be free agents:

Around the league

NFL owners to meet Thursday to discuss CBA talks
NFL owners will meet in New York on Thursday to discuss the status of labor negotiations with the NFL Players Association, NFL Network's Michael Silver reported Wednesday. The players will discuss the owners' proposal via conference call on Friday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero added.

Browns OC Van Pelt to change Mayfield's footwork
Among examples given by Van Pelt: Mayfield's foot placement in the shotgun before the snap. Van Pelt wants to switch Mayfield's lead foot from his right to his left, which Van Pelt believes will help Mayfield be more fluid in his three-step drop.

Baylor DL dedicates combine bench press to charity
Lynch announced Wednesday he is raising money to help support Uplifting Athletes in its goal to inspire the rare disease community. The prospect is raising pledges for each bench press rep performed during the combine, with a goal of 20.

Redskins pick up 2020 option on RB Adrian Peterson
In a demonstration of how valuable the Redskins deem Peterson to be, Washington opted to take on the $3 million in cap space to keep the soon-to-be 35-year-old Peterson on its roster as opposed to saving $2.25 million by cutting ties with him. It's hard to blame them: Peterson has rushed for over 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Redskins, providing Washington with a steady backfield option amid a rash of injuries suffered by other younger running backs.

Mathieu: Chiefs' 'family atmosphere' inspired SB run
"He made it feel like a family atmosphere. He made everybody feel like they were a part of it, and I could feel that even when I was recruited by these people," Mathieu said on the "At Home with Linda and Drew Scott" podcast, via the Kansas City Star. "Once I got in the building, it was the same thing. I think from top to bottom, they make it feel like family. I think it's kind of understated. You're dealing with a lot of alpha males and you expect them to come to work and be ready to work. But if you're able to create a certain environment for these players, you're able to get the best out of them and family environments tend to get the best out of alpha males and different guys like that."