Undrafted Free Agent Signings (unofficial)

[redsbengalsbucks]

I really don't know if his role is going to be expanded that much to tell you the truth. Chad will be on the field regardless of anyone's personal opinion of that walking bag of squirel sh*t, Coles will be starting, Henry hasn't been in trouble and should be ready, and you still have Simpson as well. I like Caldwell, but I'm not sure how he's going to fit in at this time.

We have a millions WR's on the d*mn roster...

Something I thought about is who sits on gameday. Chad, Coles and Caldwell are definites. You would have to think the Bengals would want to get Simpson more involved this season. That leaves one active gameday spot available between Henry, Chatman and the multitudes of rookie and practice squad WRs. I think there is a very releastic chance that Henry doesn't make the cutdown this season, as he gives almost nothing on STs.

Only if he shows up unprepared will Henry not make the team, everything that has been said this offseason (which is not much for a change) says that he was training on the west coast with TJ and Chad's WR guru. Palmer was even there some to work on timing and if those two get back to the chemistry that they had in 2005 lookout. Henry, even with all his flaws, is still one of the most talented WR's in the league and if he ever puts some serious work into his game he is a solid number 1 wideout.

There is no way they can not keep Henry if he shows up, stays clean and works at making his game better. 2 out of the three are big if's for Henry though.

[redsbengalsbucks]

I really don't know if his role is going to be expanded that much to tell you the truth. Chad will be on the field regardless of anyone's personal opinion of that walking bag of squirel sh*t,

Seems as if Kelly Washington may have forgotten to clean up some of his waste before he left the team, if there is still a "walking bag of squirel sh*t" there.

[ArmyBengal]

If Henry comes in ready to play he'll be active. I'd bet on that one. He's also in the last year of his contract and will be looking to put something together to get an extension. I actually look for Henry to have a pretty big year. I think Chatman is done and we drafted a WR in the 7th last year along with an UDFA WR. We did the same this year, so I'd look for two of those four to be shown the door as well.

[Pidge]

Unless you only have one good WR and he is also the return guy, why take him off returns in case he gets injured? The risk is no greater than every time he plays a snap at WR. It's a collision sport, injuries happen. Play guys where they bring the most to the team, even if that means kick returner.

As it happens, Caldwell isn't even pencilled in as a starter at this point. No brainer, keep him returning kicks. Find someone else to return punts, maybe another of our 50 thousand WRs or one of the new RBs can do an effective job there..

[redsbengalsbucks]

Unless you only have one good WR and he is also the return guy, why take him off returns in case he gets injured? The risk is no greater than every time he plays a snap at WR. It's a collision sport, injuries happen. Play guys where they bring the most to the team, even if that means kick returner.

As it happens, Caldwell isn't even pencilled in as a starter at this point. No brainer, keep him returning kicks. Find someone else to return punts, maybe another of our 50 thousand WRs or one of the new RBs can do an effective job there..

Second this opinion, I think he actually will be more of a contributor on ST than as a WR again this season. His ceiling is close to where he was at the end of last season, good hands, good routes, good speed, but nothing spectacular about him. This season may well be when Simpson passes Caldwell as an NFL WR, he has had a season to learn the ins and outs of the NFL and the Bengals O and his freakish measurements and talent still suggest he could be something special.

[ArmyBengal]

Unless you only have one good WR and he is also the return guy, why take him off returns in case he gets injured? The risk is no greater than every time he plays a snap at WR. It's a collision sport, injuries happen. Play guys where they bring the most to the team, even if that means kick returner.

As it happens, Caldwell isn't even pencilled in as a starter at this point. No brainer, keep him returning kicks. Find someone else to return punts, maybe another of our 50 thousand WRs or one of the new RBs can do an effective job there..

Second this opinion, I think he actually will be more of a contributor on ST than as a WR again this season. His ceiling is close to where he was at the end of last season, good hands, good routes, good speed, but nothing spectacular about him. This season may well be when Simpson passes Caldwell as an NFL WR, he has had a season to learn the ins and outs of the NFL and the Bengals O and his freakish measurements and talent still suggest he could be something special.

Or he could be a huge bag of "duh" that never figures it out...

I'm hoping this is his year though !!!

[redsbengalsbucks]

Unless you only have one good WR and he is also the return guy, why take him off returns in case he gets injured? The risk is no greater than every time he plays a snap at WR. It's a collision sport, injuries happen. Play guys where they bring the most to the team, even if that means kick returner.

As it happens, Caldwell isn't even pencilled in as a starter at this point. No brainer, keep him returning kicks. Find someone else to return punts, maybe another of our 50 thousand WRs or one of the new RBs can do an effective job there..

Second this opinion, I think he actually will be more of a contributor on ST than as a WR again this season. His ceiling is close to where he was at the end of last season, good hands, good routes, good speed, but nothing spectacular about him. This season may well be when Simpson passes Caldwell as an NFL WR, he has had a season to learn the ins and outs of the NFL and the Bengals O and his freakish measurements and talent still suggest he could be something special.

Or he could be a huge bag of "duh" that never figures it out...

I'm hoping this is his year though !!!

Always a possibility, but I still dont think Caldwell will advance much farther than an average #2 to a good #3 WR. While Simpson has the chance to become a premier talent if he can tie his own shoes.

[ArmyBengal]

I think (and more importantly the coaches think) that Simpson could turn into something special. I hope it's sooner rather than later and he gives Mike Brown another reason to feel comfortable showing Chad the door.

[HairOnFire]

Always a possibility, but I still dont think Caldwell will advance much farther than an average #2 to a good #3 WR. While Simpson has the chance to become a premier talent if he can tie his own shoes.

Given enough time I think Caldwell can be every bit as good as TJ was.

[Pidge]

Always a possibility, but I still dont think Caldwell will advance much farther than an average #2 to a good #3 WR. While Simpson has the chance to become a premier talent if he can tie his own shoes.

Given enough time I think Caldwell can be every bit as good as TJ was.

Yep. He's got the potential. We'll just have to wait and see if he reaches that potential to its fullest extent or not. In the meantime, keep him returning kicks.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Always a possibility, but I still dont think Caldwell will advance much farther than an average #2 to a good #3 WR. While Simpson has the chance to become a premier talent if he can tie his own shoes.

Given enough time I think Caldwell can be every bit as good as TJ was.

Possible but TJ was never any better than a good #2, he was and is not a #1 WR in the NFL. Hopefully you are right and Caldwell can become the reliable go to guy that TJ slowly morphed into.

[ArmyBengal]

Sure, go ahead and give me a pro-bowl #2 WR. I doubt anyone would complain. Then again......

[redsbengalsbucks]

Sure, go ahead and give me a pro-bowl #2 WR. I doubt anyone would complain. Then again......

I liked TJ as much as anybody here, but he was a Pro-bowl player more because of the system that he played in and his desire than his talent. He does not have the special gift that true #1's all have. His success can all be traced to his desire to better himself all the time, not natural freakish talent. Now dont get me wrong if Caldwell dedicates himself to football and becoming the best WR he can be, he will be a very good WR. Just never a true #1 game changer. To have a great WR corp you have to have a guy with the drive and attitude to make a play even if nobody thinks he can. Look at Hines Ward, TJ, Bobby Engram and countless other hardworking WR's that have had good carrers by working harder and longer than anybody else.

[TJJackson]

Of course, let's not forget Caldwell's 4.3 speed

[Kazkal]

I really don't know if his role is going to be expanded that much to tell you the truth. Chad will be on the field regardless of anyone's personal opinion of that walking bag of squirel sh*t, Coles will be starting, Henry hasn't been in trouble and should be ready, and you still have Simpson as well. I like Caldwell, but I'm not sure how he's going to fit in at this time.

We have a millions WR's on the d*mn roster...

Ya but Caldwell seems to be our best choice for the slot,Guess we could stick coffman and utecht there too

[blueridge]

Just saw the Bengals' official list of undrafted free agents and minicamp invitees. Unlike every previous, albeit unofficial list, Quan Cosby is not on it. WTF. Instead of Cosby, the official list includes a new name-WR David Richmond of San Jose State. I wonder if there is a problem? Cosby's wiki page says he is a Cincinnati Bengal. Newspaper reports from Texas have Cosby and his agent saying that Quan signed with the Bengals after fielding offers from several other teams. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. I really like Cosby and think he would be an excellent rookie free agent pick up. Anyway, from what I've been able to find on the internet and from my trusty draft magazine, Richmond is a talented guy and at least worth a closer look. Another guy on the list is Dan Cline, a DE from Western Kentucky. Great size at 6'6" 270 lbs. Does anybody know anything about this guy?

[ArmyBengal]

Cosby has already signed a deal with the Bengals and came into town yesterday. He will be ready to go for rookie camp tomorrow.

As for the other WR, Richmond, I would say he would have a VERY hard road trying to make this team. One thing we don't have a need for is another WR adding to the 10 we already have.

[HAPPYJAQ]

Just saw the Bengals' official list of undrafted free agents and minicamp invitees. Unlike every previous, albeit unofficial list, Quan Cosby is not on it. WTF. Instead of Cosby, the official list includes a new name-WR David Richmond of San Jose State. I wonder if there is a problem? Cosby's wiki page says he is a Cincinnati Bengal. Newspaper reports from Texas have Cosby and his agent saying that Quan signed with the Bengals after fielding offers from several other teams. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. I really like Cosby and think he would be an excellent rookie free agent pick up. Anyway, from what I've been able to find on the internet and from my trusty draft magazine, Richmond is a talented guy and at least worth a closer look. Another guy on the list is Dan Cline, a DE from Western Kentucky. Great size at 6'6" 270 lbs. Does anybody know anything about this guy?

Get this...

David Richmond has only been playing football for 4 YEARS and is a JC transfer from Santa Ana JC, which has churned out a ton of NFL talent over the years. He went from catching only one pass his first year playing organized football in '05 to a 3rd team JUCO All-American in '06. He was San Jose State's passing offense last year, with 50 more catches than the the #2 receiver on his team last year. As one would imagine, he's described as an extremely raw prospect with tremendous upside and he plays with confidence and a swagger. Somehow, this sounds eerily familiar.

Dan Cline picked Cincy over Cleveland, Denver and New Orleans. One interesting tidbit I found on him is that he added 25 pounds of muscle to his frame since the end of the season, in preparation for his Pro Day. Here's Gil Brandt's take on Cline:

Another standout prospect was DE Dan Cline (6-5 3/8, 272 pounds). He ran a 4.89 and 4.91 in the 40, had a 30½-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 6-inch broad jump, a 4.58 short shuttle, a 7.29 three-cone drill and did 21 strength lifts.

[Dadraftnick]

'ad;lsfk;lfk';ladks';adfk';safkd;lsapoif9u3 q09tvf= =i ( me Cursing)

The Browns just sighed the one of the best pass rushers in the whole draft- Philip Hunt DE who put up 14 sacks last year.

I cant believe that the Bengals didnt draft this guy with at least their last pick, when you think of it he put up more sacks then their whole D-line did last year.

But, to let him go to the Browns?

Paul Brown is turning over in his grave.

Back in the old days , Paul Brown used to draft guys just because, the Browns were going to draft them.

Most teams use the UFA's like an 8th round but, they do so by giving out big $ighing bonsus.

We will be paying for this one every 3rd down.

The newest Browns are: Marcus Benard, LB, Jackson State; Corey Boudreaux, DB, San Diego State; Branndon Braxton, OL, Oklahoma; Brent Casteel, WR, Utah; Marlon Davis, OL, Alabama; Jonathan Foster, LB, Central State; Adam Hoppel, DL, Cincinnati; Phillip Hunt, LB, Houston; Mike Massey, TE, Michigan; Nate Ness, DB, Arizona; Jordan Norwood, WR, Penn State; Antonio Smith, DB, Bowling Green; Jason Venson, DB, Central Florida; Bryan Williams, DB, Akron.

The Browns conduct a rookie minicamp this weekend. Former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell has been invited to participate.

And Harrell’s former college coach, Mike Leach, has given Harrell a gift to be delivered to Mangini. Leach has placed the gift in a bag, and Harrell has been instructed to place the bag outside the door to Mangini’s office, to light the bag on fire, and then to knock on the door.

[Kazkal]

We will be paying for this one every 3rd down.

Just like the browns payed by not signing Eric Henderson owait....Guys go undrafted for a reason most of the time doesn't mean guy won't be good but 32 teams felt he wasn't worth a 7th rounder.

PS,I couldn't even find any info on Philip Hunt nor was he ranked as top 20 defensive end from what I seen....Plus theirs lack of roster spot we drafted Michael Johnson and more likely they want a elephant DE for the 4th spot so rucker or fanene.

[Dadraftnick]

He went undrafted because , he is 6-1 ( although he has long arms) and 260 .

But, like I said he did put up 14 sacks.

The Colts use a guy, I cant think of his name ( I have had a couple of strokes and I forget names easily) that they use to only rush the passer , because he is undersized, and he has put up quite a few sacks.

I thought the Bengals coul have used him like that, with Michael Johnson on the othere side on 3rd downs.

I would just like to see a Damn pass rush, its really the thing that seperates our deffense from being a great deffense.

We stopped the run pretty good last year, once Simms was put in.

We were the #12 ranked deffense last year and put up hardly any sacks- and with sacks come, interceptions and fumbles too.

[chrishcovga]

The second the Bengals selected Michael Johnson, you had to imagine what our third down package would have to look like. I can see the Bengals moving Geathers inside to team with Tank Johnson or Pat Sims. And Odom and Johnson on the outsides. Or Geathers and Johnson on the outside, with Odom and Sims on the Inside. Sims was very good last year at the snap and getting into the backfield and causing some chaos, so you gotta figure with two guys over 6'5 on the field coming from the inside and the outside should help the pass rush and secondary reaction time.

Either way, the guy I'm most hyped about signing as an undrafted free agent, is Marlon Lucky. He's got starter talent. 5'11/ 216, and 4.5 speed, If you look at his junior year, he put up better numbers than Knowshon Moreno and he went in the first round. Not sure why the Nebraska coaches figured on not keeping him the main focus of the offense, but I'm glad he's a Bengal.

Maybe this year we'll keep more than 4 runningbacks ???

[Kazkal]

Lucky ain't very lucky heard he tweaked something day one.

[derekshank]

He went undrafted because , he is 6-1 ( although he has long arms) and 260 .

But, like I said he did put up 14 sacks.

No... he went undrafted because he was graded out as an NFL 3-4 OLB. For that job, he lacks quickness and is incredibly raw. He's a project and will be a back-up at best for a long time.

The Colts use a guy, I cant think of his name ( I have had a couple of strokes and I forget names easily) that they use to only rush the passer , because he is undersized, and he has put up quite a few sacks.

I thought the Bengals coul have used him like that, with Michael Johnson on the othere side on 3rd downs.

You're thinking of Robert Mathis. I've been preaching for the Bengals to use Geathers in this capacity for years. He was strictly a passing downs DE when Justin Smith and B. Robinson were the starting DE's. It was easily the Bengals best pass production year in the Marvin era.

Instead, they went out and drafted Johnson to fill that role. I still think they'd be best if rotated Rucker and Geathers to keep him fresh for passing downs, and then use Johnson instead of Odom on passing downs. Hunt wouldn't have made the team as a DE.

Anyway... for smaller end DE's to be effective they usually have to be incredible athletes and have elite speed. Hunt has neither.

I would just like to see a Damn pass rush, its really the thing that seperates our deffense from being a great deffense.

We stopped the run pretty good last year, once Simms was put in.

We were the #12 ranked deffense last year and put up hardly any sacks- and with sacks come, interceptions and fumbles too.

Yeah. A pass rush would go a long way. I will say that the defense's stats were a little off simply because the offense was so bad. In many games offenses let up and started running out the clock, thus not gaining as many yards as they could/would have had the game been close. But they still allowed nearly 23 points/game. Not very impressive.

I'm cautiously optimistic about the defense. I'm hoping that with the offense improving this season, the defense's yardage stats will remain about the same... but that the points allowed stats will be better. This is really only possible with an effective pass rush resulting in more turnovers and fewer 3rd down conversions.

[blueridge]

'ad;lsfk;lfk';ladks';adfk';safkd;lsapoif9u3 q09tvf= =i ( me Cursing)

The Browns just sighed the one of the best pass rushers in the whole draft- Philip Hunt DE who put up 14 sacks last year.

I cant believe that the Bengals didnt draft this guy with at least their last pick, when you think of it he put up more sacks then their whole D-line did last year.

But, to let him go to the Browns?

Paul Brown is turning over in his grave.

Back in the old days , Paul Brown used to draft guys just because, the Browns were going to draft them.

Most teams use the UFA's like an 8th round but, they do so by giving out big $ighing bonsus.

We will be paying for this one every 3rd down.

The newest Browns are: Marcus Benard, LB, Jackson State; Corey Boudreaux, DB, San Diego State; Branndon Braxton, OL, Oklahoma; Brent Casteel, WR, Utah; Marlon Davis, OL, Alabama; Jonathan Foster, LB, Central State; Adam Hoppel, DL, Cincinnati; Phillip Hunt, LB, Houston; Mike Massey, TE, Michigan; Nate Ness, DB, Arizona; Jordan Norwood, WR, Penn State; Antonio Smith, DB, Bowling Green; Jason Venson, DB, Central Florida; Bryan Williams, DB, Akron.

The Browns conduct a rookie minicamp this weekend. Former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell has been invited to participate.

And Harrell’s former college coach, Mike Leach, has given Harrell a gift to be delivered to Mangini. Leach has placed the gift in a bag, and Harrell has been instructed to place the bag outside the door to Mangini’s office, to light the bag on fire, and then to knock on the door.

No one gives out big signing bonuses to rookie free agents. For example the Giants paid out signing bonuses of less than 10gs. A priority rookie free agent like Quan Cosby or Marlon Lucky may receive as much as $25,000. This is a big reason why they are so popular. If the rookie free agent actually makes the final roster he stands to make the league minimum. Try out players get nothing but a small stipend during their first mini-camp. If they pass muster, they will get signed to a crap deal. The biggest advantage to signing a rookie free agent contract is the opportunity,hopefully, to compete for a roster spot in the summer training camp. By the way, the Browns' signings are so weak. Sad,really.