Angelo Craig was signed with the Panthers' practice squad (h/t: Prag and kirby28).

Bengals Nation Daily sees a 20-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.

The newest Bengals lineman, Frank Davis, takes over Willie Anderson's locker; whether or not he'll fill the 19-EEE shoes is another question; guard/tackle position not withstanding.

Speaking of which, it doesn't appear that Willie Anderson will play for Chicago.

Chad will fuss and complain if the Bengals lose. I just hope that if he does, he doesn't play himself larger than the team and takes responsibilities if he misses that third-down reception.

Chick Ludwig and Chad Johnson are calling the release of Willie Anderson, a mistake. Says Chad, "Usually, you’re able to give a reason why it (getting cut) happens to certain people But I don’t have a reason why you let Willie Anderson go.”

AROUND THE LOCAL COLLEGE SCENE

While there's no time-table for Beanie Well's return, the Heisman candidate sat out Monday's practice still wearing his protective boot on his right foot.

The Sooners are impressed with the University of Cincinnati, even if they're three touchdown favorites.

My first metal album was Metallica's Master of Puppets; have been a ridiculous fan ever since. Anyway, in a few weeks, Metallica is releasing their ninth studio album called Death Magnetic. Here's the first song called The Day That Never Comes. It's eight minutes, and listen to the whole thing. It gets crazy good halfway through.

This is another, called My Apocalypse. Reminds you of Whiplash, somewhat.

We were wondering during Thursday Night's preseason game how the Bengals running back roster would look kickoff weekend. Curnutte believes the Bengals will dump Rudi Johnson and keep Chris Perry, Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey on the roster, placing James Johnson on the practice squad after his performance against the Colts.

James Johnson's ran eight times for 54 yards against the Colts with a 42-yard play midway through the fourth quarter. Without that 42-yard run, Johnson rushes seven times for 12 yards. DeDe Dorsey had a nice night rushing for 4.2 yards-per-carry (38 yards, nine attempts), including a six-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Kenny Watson had the worst night among running backs (well, other than Rudi Johnson of course) with a 1.6 yards-per-carry average (10 yards, six rushes). In the game, the Bengals rushed for 171 yards on 38 attempts (4.5 average).

Ironically enough, Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the preseason out-rushing Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey.

The Bengals leading receivers this preseason were two guys not on the roster last season. Jerome Simpson caught the most passes (11) and recorded the most yards (157). Ben Utecht's 10 receptions and 108 yards receiving ranked second in each category. Glenn Holt is the only player to record more than one touchdown reception. In fact, he has two of the team's three total passing touchdowns with Utecht having the other.

Domata Peko is the only defensive lineman with more than one sack, with one-sack performances coming from Robert Geathers, Michael Myers, Jason Shirley, and Angelo Craig. Darryl Blackstock (2), Keith Rivers, Kyries Herbert, and Dexter Jackson also recorded sacks.

The preseason question of finding that number three receiver was answered, by signing Chris Henry. However suspended through the first four games, it would appear that Simpson has the edge at that spot; but Chatman could find himself there based on whether the Bengals feel confident that Simpson knows the playbook.

Kyle Larson punted a whopping 28 times (average seven-per-game) with a pedestrian 41.9 average.

Even I was pleased with the performance of Ahmad Brooks. But I don't think that the final preseason game against a team that played few, if any, of their starters is that much of a reason to keep him. I still think he's on the chopping block, and I think that if Brooks was good enough, that he wouldn't have fallen so far, so quickly, on the depth chart and been mediocre in the other preseason games. Then again, the Bengals coaching staff loves projects with players that have potential (see Eric Henderson and Stacy Andrews -- who actually worked out).

Are people actually considering Fitzpatrick the better starting quarterback in Cincinnati?

I really enjoyed Fitzpatrick's performance this preseason. He had the best quarterback play, recording a 104.2 passer rating, no picks and two scores. Along with his 218 yards passing (which is second, behind Jeff Rowe's 228), Fitzpatrick added 79 yards rushing (scrambling). However, we don't need is a scrambling quarterback. What we need is our two Pro Bowl wide receivers back without protection breakdowns that force our quarterbacks to scramble. All of which, I believe, will return by kickoff weekend.

Along with Keith Rivers, I think Corey Lynch is one of the most impressive defensive rookies. Even though Pat Sims didn't record those key numbers (which is normal for a defensive tackle), I liked his motor with his noticeable intensity. With Shirley coming on against the Colts, I think the Bengals are close to having a solid defensive tackle rotation. Given more experience with the rookies, and the noticeable improvement with Domata Peko, there's a lot to look forward to this group. Once John Thornton leaves after this season, the Bengals could either draft another defensive tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft, or develop Antwon Burton with the practice squad this season.

Secondary-wise, I think this unit is much better than last season -- or the year before that, or the year before that. Johnathan Joseph was an aggressive hitter during the preseason, coming up to the line of scrimmage when the opposing team rushed to his side. He played the island role, along with Leon Hall, as best as we could expect of them. While big-body wide receivers will generally always have their way with most NFL cornerbacks, I didn't think to myself that our young cornerbacks will be problematic.

My biggest concern wasn't the secondary against the rush, nor the play of our starting cornerbacks. It was our safeties against the pass, allowing the opposing wide receiver to stream past them. This didn't happen against the Colts as much as it did in the first preseason games. Still, Corey Lynch and Marvin White are young enough to learn from it and become better as the season wears on. Not to mention Chinedum Ndukwe missed the preseason.

I do believe, however, that our secondary is as deep as it has ever been during the Marvin Lewis era.

Like many of you, I just don't know what to expect this season. On one hand, this team is talented enough among their starters; everyone returns, the protection schemes improve and the rushing attack is actually meaningful. On the other hand, we could the regular season become an extension of the preseason becoming the worst season during the Marvin Lewis era. Either way, the critical aspect for success on this team will be the offense. An improved defense will be icing on the cake, that could find themselves in the role to win games if the offense sputters.

In the end, your guess is as good as mine.

The following is a list of Bengals draft picks signed. Most of this is through unconfirmed channels with sources listed below the chart. Since the Bengals are pretty selective releasing their financial data, we're left with using unreliable and confirmed sources. In other words, take this as very unofficial. If you see errors, please email me or quote your source in the comments.

* In millions.
** Means they are listed with the base salary without bonuses figured in, or unconfirmed from unofficial sources, or different sources quoting different numbers.

The following are the sources for the contract details, or links to my posts that link to the contract details (usually if they're multiple links).

UPDATE: Curnutte provdes the signing bonuses for Sims, Collins, Shirley, Sherry, Craig and Urrutia. [Curnutte's blog]
Pat Sims signs four-year deal worth $2.473 million and $768,000 signing bonus [Big C Rumor Mill]
Anthony Collins signs four-year deal worth $2.175 million and $470,500 signing bonus [Big C Rumor Mill]
Jason Shirley signs four-year minimum deal with $158,000 signing bonus. [RealTime Fantasy Sports] The signing bonus is unconfirmed. (base salary acquired at NFL PA)
Corey Lynch -- terms undisclosed.
Matt Sherry signs four-year deal worth $1.775 million with $40,000 signing bonus [Cincy Jungle]
Angelo Craig -- minimum contract, bonus undisclosed. (base salary acquired at NFL PA)
Mario Urrutia signs four-year deal worth $1.740 million with $39,000 signing bonus. [Cincy Jungle]

Quick recap: Tight end Matt Sherry ($40,000 signing bonus), defensive tackle Jason Shirley, wide receiver Mario Urrutia ($39,000 signing bonus) and Defensive lineman Angelo Craig all signed minimum deals through four seasons. All four can have their deals broken down by the following:

Angelo Craig's agent confirmed with Bengals.com writer, Geoff Hobson, that he has signed his contract. Mark Curnutte writes that Matt Sherry is also officially in the mix -- though Bengals.com doesn't acknowledge that yet -- though Chick Ludwig confirmed it Tuesday.

DT Jason Shirley, TE Matt Sherry, WR Mario Urrutia, DE Angelo Craig have signed four-year deals. Corey Lynch hasn't signed yet, though it's expected he will by the end of the week.

The confusing nature of draft picks with the Bengals, is that there may be an agreement, but the Bengals refuse comment until after the player's signature. Officially four players are in the mix, while six are either awaiting signature or still in negotiations.

After agreements were announced between the Bengals and rookies Jason Shirley, Matt Sherry and Mario Urrutia (all reportedly, four year deals), the Bengals are closing in with their second seventh-round pick, Angelo Craig and sixth-round pick, Corey Lynch. No details are being released.

Also, "discussions are under way" with Keith Rivers' agent.

Here's a chart we'll keep updating once information is released.

* Agreement reportedly made, though written contract is unsigned.

Let's see, what am I looking for this season? Actually, a lot. I am looking forward to seeing how Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry rebound. I'm looking forward to seeing Chad Johnson pipe down, celebrate a few touchdowns and watch T.J. Houshmandzadeh throw his body away for a cheap two-yard reception on third-and-one. Carson Palmer and every god-like thing associated. I'm looking forward to seeing Stacy Andrews -- who obviously now believes he can have a long successful NFL career and grow as such. I'm looking forward to Pat Sims and Jason Shirley (well, more like praying that we'll see him), our backup wide receivers, the tremendous upside in the secondary and our offense FINALLY incorporating the tight end -- eeee-fect-ively.

Finally, I'm also looking forward to Keith Rivers and Angelo Craig (the only two linebackers drafted during the NFL draft -- any year -- on this roster). And no, I'm not including Brooks; though the argument could be made. I'm specifically speaking about the NFL draft, not the Supplemental. But if you want to include him, you're more than welcome.

Odell Thurman, David Pollack, Caleb Miller, Landon Johnson, A.J. Nicholson, Khalid Abdullah... are all gone. In fact, only the two linebackers drafted, on this team, right now, are Keith Rivers and UC's Angelo Craig.

Daryl Blackstock (signed UFA, 2008)
Ahmad Brooks (supplemental draft, 2006)
Anthony Hoke (signed CFA, 2008)
Dan Howell (signed CFA, 2008)
Rashad Jeanty (signed FA, 2006)
Brandon Johnson (signed FA, 2008)
Dhani Jones (signed FA, 2007)
Jim Maxwell (signed FA, 2007)
Corey Mays (waiver, 2007)

That's all I have to say, really. Just something to munch on. A side note, Rivers now has a Yard Barker blog.

Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the pick here.

Hey, a University of Cincinnati guy. I love in-state pick ups. Keep it in the family, right? Yea, I know. Whatever. Craig brings the linebackers up to two for the draft. Craig played defensive end as a freshman and converted to outside linebacker then went back to end. This is the team's "tweener" pick. Obviously searching for a diamond in the rough.

He comes with character flags. But all we can determine is that he violated team rules. For some of the things they throw the character flag, we're not always sure if they're deserved. So unless he's been arrested, plows through an apartment building, charged with hurting a lady, or pulled over for a DUI, we'll just ignore the character flag for now until we know for sure what that means.

Strengths: Plays with a mean streak, shows adequate upper body strength and fights off blocks. Times the snap well, adequate initial quickness and flashes the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Keeps head up, reads keys and locates the ball carrier quickly. Takes sound pursuit angles and works from the snap until the whistle. Moves well enough laterally and should be able to scrape down the line of scrimmage when lined up at linebacker. Gets good inside lean coming off the edge and is a relentless pass rusher. Has special teams' experience and can contribute in that facet.

Weaknesses: While has ample experience lining up at outside linebacker, primarily used to rush the passer, top-end speed marginal at best and is going to struggle to match up in man coverage. Doesn't change directions particularly well and lacks the second gear to recover once caught out of position in coverage. Has added some bulk to frame and is tall enough to continue to do so but lacks elite size for an end at this point and is going to get engulfed by offensive tackles. Doesn't have explosive upper body strength and takes too long to shed blocks once engaged. Misses some open field tackles and isn't going to deliver many big hits. Quicker than fast, lacks closing speed and step slow getting to the ball far too much. Doesn't have great lower body strength, isn't a powerful bull rusher that can consistently collapse the pocket and isn't going to run over many blockers in the backfield when asked to blitz. Disciplined for violating team rules in 2007 and character needs to be investigated.

Overall: Craig arrived at Cincinnati as a defensive end in 2003 and redshirted the year. After being moved to outside linebacker, he appeared in 13 games in his first two seasons (2004-'06), collecting 20 tackles, including 1.5 for losses. In 2006, he moved back to end and played all 13 games, turning in 16 tackles (7.5 for losses), four sacks and two pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, he played all 13 games and had 43 tackles (eight for losses), three sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Craig is a high-motor player quick, big, athletic and tenacious enough to develop into a reserve outside linebacker but he doesn't have any outstanding physical attributes and teams will have to protect him in coverage so he projects as a seventh round pick.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.