Dick LeBeau wants to get one point across at his first minicamp as Bengals head coach. “We want to set the emphasis to what we're going to be about — aggressiveness,” he said. “We made some progress last year but still have a long way to go.”

        Rookies and signed veterans will arrive today. Physicals will be Saturday morning, then the first practice will run 2:15-5 p.m. The Bengals will practice about nine hours over three days.

        “Minicamp is teaching,” said LeBeau, who was 4-9 in his partial season as head coach. “I want people to understand the pace of play, the kind of play we're after. We're going to be physical, and we're going to be fast.”

        Minicamp will mark the Bengals debut of several free agents signed in the offseason: quarterback Jon Kitna, defensive linemen Tony Williams and Kevin Henry and offensive tackle Richmond Webb. LeBeau still is basking in the signing of Webb, a former Dolphins Pro Bowler who is expected to solidify the left tackle position, even though he's 34.

        “The old coach had a pretty good day when we got Richmond,” said LeBeau, 63.

        The Bengals' seven draft choices are expected at minicamp, including defensive end Justin Smith, their top pick.

        Veteran wide receiver Darnay Scott, recovering from a broken leg, will be held out, but the Bengals will get closer looks at former Oregon State receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzedah, their second- and seventh-round draft picks.

        Receivers and quarterbacks will get their first full taste of the multi-receiver offense installed by new coordinator Bob Bratkowski.

        Pro Bowl running back Corey Dillon won't participate because he is an unsigned free agent. Defensive lineman Tom Barndt (shoulder) and linebacker Takeo Spikes (shoulder) are out of May workouts, but middle linebacker Brian Simmons will play for the first time since tearing knee cartilage in last season's opener.

        Minicamp also opens competition for playing time at key positions — including kicker, at which veteran Richie Cunningham was signed to challenge Neil Rackers.

        “We think we've helped ourselves with the defensive line, at quarterback, at kicker,” LeBeau said. “We're excited to put the pieces together.”

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Bengals' minicamp goal: increased aggression

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