05-25-2015, 02:23 PM
Here's a few quick bits from Coley's last two mail/answer sessions...
On AJ McCarron...
Even after signing veteran Terrelle Pryor earlier this month to compete during training camp, Cincinnati's priorities for now remain with the player it spent a draft pick on last year. Maybe if McCarron were in a different stage of his career the Bengals explore the practice squad possibility. For now, though, it doesn't look like they would even think about that with him because not only do they want to ensure keeping him, but they also want to see how well he pushes Dalton.
On the KR/PR options...
Since it's so early on the offseason calendar, Matt, I can assure you, all options are on the table at kick returner and punt returner. Denarius Moore, Cobi Hamilton,Rex Burkhead, Cedric Peerman, James Wright, Onterio McCalebb and Derron Smith will all line up at the respective return positions if the coaches ask them to beginning next week. Of that group, I could most see Moore, Hamilton and McCalebb get return opportunities throughout the spring and summer. But that doesn't mean they'll end up there in early September if they each make the team.
Remember, Brandon Tate has returned at both spots throughout his Bengals career, and will be expected to do the same now that he's back for another year. Adam Jones likely will be the team's primary punt returner again. Seventh-round draft pick Mario Alford should warrant his share of attention at both positions this summer, after starring as a kick returner in college. Cincinnati definitely has options, and will give all potential returners chances to take Tate and Jones' jobs. At this point, though, it's hard seeing anyone outside of Tate, Jones or Alford handling the primary return duties.
On Whit's situation...
They most certainly could part ways with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth after this season, Joel. The likelihood of that happening, though? At this point it seems rather slim. As you may know, much has been made about team president Mike Brown's knack for being loyal to players he's drafted. Domata Peko and Rey Maualuga are two recent examples of career Bengals who have been given extensions under Brown's watch. That track record makes Whitworth, the team's unquestioned leader and driving force behind the positive change in locker room culture, likely of being renewed.
On the LB competition...
Speaking of the linebacker position battle, thanks for the inquiry, Trevor. I'm with you on Rey Maualugaand Vincent Rey. I also agree that A.J. Hawk, P.J. Dawson and Emmanuel Lamur make the team. As I mentioned above, I think the final linebacker spot (for now I've got the Bengals taking seven on the 53-man roster) comes down to DiManche and Flowers. Special teams play could be the determining factor, which is why I gave DiManche the edge for now. But Flowers' ability to play a hybrid safety/cover role helps him. As for Nico Johnson, I'm thinking he's among the odd men out. But again, special teams will be a key factor for the guys on the back end of the linebacker depth chart. That's certainly where Johnson would find himself. As for Burfict being on the physically unable to perform list, that's far from certain at this time, but it definitely could happen. If it happens, Johnson's and/or Flowers' jobs may be safe until he returns.
On UDFA's making the 53...
The Bengals are just bringing back so much talent on the returning roster, and it's hard seeing them truly letting go of any of the draft picks since this was such a developmental draft for them. Of the undrafted players, I'm most intrigued to watch defensive tackle DeShawn Williams, running back Terrell Watson, fullback Mark Weisman, centerChris Jasperse, safety Erick Dargan, cornerback Troy Hill, safety Floyd Raven Sr. and tight end John Peters. It'll also be interesting to see what happens this year with past undrafted players James Wilder Jr., Cobi Hamilton and Onterio McCalebb. But no, at this point, I can't see anyone from that group making anything other than Cincinnati's practice squad this year.
Read more here.
On AJ McCarron...
Even after signing veteran Terrelle Pryor earlier this month to compete during training camp, Cincinnati's priorities for now remain with the player it spent a draft pick on last year. Maybe if McCarron were in a different stage of his career the Bengals explore the practice squad possibility. For now, though, it doesn't look like they would even think about that with him because not only do they want to ensure keeping him, but they also want to see how well he pushes Dalton.
On the KR/PR options...
Since it's so early on the offseason calendar, Matt, I can assure you, all options are on the table at kick returner and punt returner. Denarius Moore, Cobi Hamilton,Rex Burkhead, Cedric Peerman, James Wright, Onterio McCalebb and Derron Smith will all line up at the respective return positions if the coaches ask them to beginning next week. Of that group, I could most see Moore, Hamilton and McCalebb get return opportunities throughout the spring and summer. But that doesn't mean they'll end up there in early September if they each make the team.
Remember, Brandon Tate has returned at both spots throughout his Bengals career, and will be expected to do the same now that he's back for another year. Adam Jones likely will be the team's primary punt returner again. Seventh-round draft pick Mario Alford should warrant his share of attention at both positions this summer, after starring as a kick returner in college. Cincinnati definitely has options, and will give all potential returners chances to take Tate and Jones' jobs. At this point, though, it's hard seeing anyone outside of Tate, Jones or Alford handling the primary return duties.
On Whit's situation...
They most certainly could part ways with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth after this season, Joel. The likelihood of that happening, though? At this point it seems rather slim. As you may know, much has been made about team president Mike Brown's knack for being loyal to players he's drafted. Domata Peko and Rey Maualuga are two recent examples of career Bengals who have been given extensions under Brown's watch. That track record makes Whitworth, the team's unquestioned leader and driving force behind the positive change in locker room culture, likely of being renewed.
On the LB competition...
Speaking of the linebacker position battle, thanks for the inquiry, Trevor. I'm with you on Rey Maualugaand Vincent Rey. I also agree that A.J. Hawk, P.J. Dawson and Emmanuel Lamur make the team. As I mentioned above, I think the final linebacker spot (for now I've got the Bengals taking seven on the 53-man roster) comes down to DiManche and Flowers. Special teams play could be the determining factor, which is why I gave DiManche the edge for now. But Flowers' ability to play a hybrid safety/cover role helps him. As for Nico Johnson, I'm thinking he's among the odd men out. But again, special teams will be a key factor for the guys on the back end of the linebacker depth chart. That's certainly where Johnson would find himself. As for Burfict being on the physically unable to perform list, that's far from certain at this time, but it definitely could happen. If it happens, Johnson's and/or Flowers' jobs may be safe until he returns.
On UDFA's making the 53...
The Bengals are just bringing back so much talent on the returning roster, and it's hard seeing them truly letting go of any of the draft picks since this was such a developmental draft for them. Of the undrafted players, I'm most intrigued to watch defensive tackle DeShawn Williams, running back Terrell Watson, fullback Mark Weisman, centerChris Jasperse, safety Erick Dargan, cornerback Troy Hill, safety Floyd Raven Sr. and tight end John Peters. It'll also be interesting to see what happens this year with past undrafted players James Wilder Jr., Cobi Hamilton and Onterio McCalebb. But no, at this point, I can't see anyone from that group making anything other than Cincinnati's practice squad this year.
Read more here.
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