ProFootballCentral.com

By PFC Bengals Writer Collin Keith
Andrew Whitworth has agreed to a 4 year extension that will keep him under contract until the 2013 season. “(The Bengals organization) made a statement that they wanted me to be here. And I said I wanted to be here for a longer period of time to help us win” - Andrew Whitworth

A great signing in my mind, he’s a versatile offensive lineman who can play most of the positions on the line, and he’s still young at the age of 26.

All of the rookie draft picks have signed contracts except for first round pick Keith Rivers.

Rookie wide outs Jerome Simpson, Mario Urrutia, and Andre Caldwell, Defensive tackles Patrick Sims and Jason Shirley, Tight end Matt Sherry, Defensive end Angelo Craig, Tackle Anthony Collins, and Safety Corey Lynch were all signed to 4 year deals

Rookie receiver Jerome Simpson was asked about the pressure of being a first day pick. “A lot is expected of me, I want to prove everybody wrong that they drafted me too early. I’m here to show them that they drafted me where I’m supposed to be at, the second round.”

Chad Johnson showed up on time, noticeably limping, but mentally ready to play football. Johnson was at camp an hour early even though he vowed he would hold out of training camp, but would not talk to the media about his ankle.

This pre-season should be pretty exciting to watch for those who want to get a look at the massive amount of rookie draft picks, players coming back from injuries, and position changes.

Most notably Running Back Chris Perry, who has not really played in nearly 2 seasons(not including the few games he played in 2006).

Perry had a very promising 2nd year after missing most of his rookie season due to injuries, in 05 he posted a career high 51 receptions, and was 3rd on the team in the category.

Perry should be healthy enough to back up Rudi Johnson in the pre-season opener game against the Packers, August 11th at Lambeau field in Green Bay.

Other players to watch would be starting Middle Linebacker Dhani Jones, rookie wide outs Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell, Marvin White, beginning his second season as starter at Free Safety, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Stacy Andrews,as the two are battling for a starting spot at right tackle, as well as 3rd year receiver Marcus Maxwell, who has apparently impressed the coaches in his time with the Bengals

Dhani Jones who has started primarily at outside Linebacker in his career will be moving to the middle where he will be the Bengals defensive captain this year, a spot that he seems more suited for considering his playing style and leadership.

Rookie wide receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell definitely have some expectations to live up to, even with the receiving tandem of Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, they will still have big shoes to fill fighting for the number three receiver spot recently occupied by ex-Bengal Chris Henry.

Marvin White showed promise late last year when he was forced to step in and start for injured Safety Madieu Williams(now with the Minnesota Vikings) and people should look for big things out of the heavy hitter this year.

Willie Anderson is the greatest Bengals offensive tackle since Anthony Munoz, but with his age and questionable health, franchise player Stacy Andrews starts at Right Tackle on the Bengals training-camp depth chart.