Bobbie Williams News

Being a rookie in the NFL is hard. They have very little time between when their college seasons end and training to become a pro begins.

Last year, offensive line coach Paul Alexander watched his long-time leader Willie Anderson mosey out of Georgetown College to give way to the franchise-tagged Stacy Andrews.

What the Bengals want and need, Kyle Cook has. The second-year center from Michigan State has taken advantage of his opportunity and seized the starting job, replacing Eric Ghiaciuc, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent on April 30.

Bengals rookie tight end Chase Coffman finally gets to chase his dream. His injured left foot has healed sufficiently enough to allow his participation in minicamp this weekend.

Need some shade on a sunny, sweltering day? Just stand next to the Bengals ' Andrew Whitworth .

RIPS CHAD AT 'TASTE OF NFL' AT PAUL BROWN STADIUM ===LUDWIG AT LARGE ALERT: The Bengals signed seventh-round DT Clinton McDonald of Memphis today.

But it is his strength with the intangibles that has him doing things at center not seen in these parts since, dare we say it, Richie Braham.

The last time I saw a Bengals player leave his position group in the locker room and approach another position group was 2005 when quarterback Jon Kitna left his cozy corner to play cards with the running backs during lunch.

It doesn't take rocket science to figure out that when your team finishes 4-11-1 that changes need to me made.

Michael Lombardi surveys NFL topics in newspapers from around the country and adds in his own analysis and perspective.

Levi Jones' release last month meant the Bengals offensive line would feature three new starters.

When Willie Anderson left the Bengals offensive line before last season, guards Bobbie Williams and Andrew Whitworth eased into his role of leaders.

Facially, he looks 16. Physically, he resembles Diamond Head Mountain. An NFL scout told me that if you ask him to do something, he won't. If you demand it, he will.

The much anticipated release of Levi Jones became reality Wednesday, another step in what looks to be the installation of first-rounder Andre Smith at left tackle.

This year's NFL draft has come and gone. ESPN can put Mel Kiper back in the closet, or he can go back to the Pentecostal Church he pastors.

The Bengals finished 32nd out of the 32 teams in the NFL last season in total offense.

The night before NFL Christmas and all through Paul Brown Stadium not a trade was stirring, not even one for Chad Ochocinco.

Q: In your opinion, who's the best center in the draft and do we have a chance to pick him up? Are there still free-agent centers available? Anyone we can plug 'n play? The unknowns at center have me concerned! -- Jackie W., Pomeroy, OH JACKIE: The Bengals more than likely won't get the best one, which consensus says is California's Alex Mack.

The count is now about 20 diapers per day for the two-month-old Palmer twins and the cycle is as familiar as four downs.

They've re-signed their running back, gotten a veteran receiver to replace the one who left, and gotten a backup quarterback.