Quarterback and — surprisingly — tight end are the positions that cause Bengals fans the most angst.

        Question, from Erik in Lima: If the Bengals choose a quarterback in the draft, would they prep him or throw him right into the fire?

        Answer: If he's not a first-round pick, and Joey Harrington and David Carr are the only two worthy of the first round, the Bengals would groom him. They like Tulane's Patrick Ramsey, LSU's Rohan Davey and Illinois' Kurt Kittner.

        Q, from Karl in Fairfield: Will any consideration be given to Jeff Blake now that he has been released by the Saints? Jeff is a very exciting player to watch, and with our new offense, who knows?

        A: It's understandable why many Bengals fans have warm memories of Blake. He emerged in a dark time for the team, and his long
passes to Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott were, at times, inspiring. But, no, he won't play again for the Bengals.

        Q, from Ed in Dayton: Don't you feel that signing a tight end is the most important free agent need?

        A: Not only do I think it's important, for what that's worth, but offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski says it's mandatory to upgrade at tight end. Former Colts Pro Bowler Ken Dilger is a serious possibility, if the Bengals will spend more than other suitors. He can be had.

        Q, from Chuck in Florence: Why didn't the Bengals make an offer to Olin Kreutz, the Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center? While I like Rich Braham's toughness, Kreutz would definitely be an upgrade. Braham has a recurring neck problem and seems like he will never be in Kreutz's class. Is (coach Dick) LeBeau satisfied enough with Braham that he doesn't think the Bengals need an upgrade at the center position?

        A: Braham led the team in snaps played last season (1,058 of 1,070, 98.9 percent). He's durable, smart and tough. The team run-blocks well with him in the middle, and the number of sacks was down dramatically. The greater need is to find a left tackle to replace the aging Richmond Webb after this season.

        The Bengals also have a solid backup in Brock Gutierrez, who started when Corey Dillon ran for his single-game record 278 yards against Denver in 2000.

        Q, from Steve in Hyde Park: I will make this brief. Who do you truly believe theBengals will eventually land in free agency? And who do you see as the top three draft picks?

        A: Those are excellent questions, and the Bengals' front office and coaches probably couldn't tell you know. But, I'll give it a shot.

        In free agency, the two players the Bengals need most and likely want to sign the most are Dilger and Bears cornerback Walk Harris, both of whom will visit this coming week.

        The Bears wanted Harris last year, and his agent, Brian Levy, said a serious offer could get him. As for Dilger, see the previous answer. He can block and catch, and the only reason his receiving numbers were down this past season was he played on an injured knee that has since been cleaned up with arthroscopic surgery. The Bengals need a tight end who can run good routes and catch the ball down the middle. It's a pass Jon Kitna throws well.

        As for the draft, if Texas cornerback Quentin Jammer is available, take him. If not, cornerback Phillip Buchanon of Miami (Fla.) will make an immediate contribution.

        With the defense getting the first pick, the offense will get No. 2, and that could be tackle Marc Colombo of Boston College. Bratkowski says the Bengals to an infusion of young offensive linemen to begin learning the system.

        At No. 3, the Bengals probably will take the quarterback -- Ramsey, Kittner or Davey.

        But, really, who knows? Mine is little more than an educated guess.

        Q, from Brandon in Alexandria, Va.: Are other Bengals fans out there excited about the possibility of getting Dilger? This veteran had a great 2000 season with the Colts and would keep defenses honest in the short passing game, freeing up Peter Warrick and the other receivers to show more of their stuff. Also, it would be a huge help to whoever gets the cameo at QB this season.

        A: I think Bengals fans understand how important it is to upgrade production at tight end, and Dilger is the best one available. Again, the Bengals' willingness to pay will determine whether Dilger signs.

        Q, from Adam in Fort Wayne, Ind.: Do you think the Bengals should get Joey Harrington?For years, the quarterbacks they have drafted have turned out terrible (see Klingler, Smith). Harrington looks like the real deal and could be a big-time quarterback for many years. I think he could be the missing link.

        A: If Harrington is available at No. 10 overall, which is highly unlikely, he would be difficult for the Bengals to pass up, and they've said so.

        Q, from Joe in Charlottesville, Va.: Bengals president Mike Brown has been subjected to an avalanche of criticism, not to mention ridicule, for his handling of the team. Still, it would appear that he has a solid grasp of the NFL's absurdly complicated salary cap system. Do you agree?

        A: Yes, he and his daughter, Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn, understand the system well and refuse to play games with it. They won't sacrifice future financial stability, which is what Jacksonville and Baltimore did, to win now. Brown's steadfastness on the cap, though, is another source of anguish for some fans who want to see him try to win at all cost by over-paying free agents with back-loaded contracts.

        Q, from Justin in Erie, Pa.: I love Kitna's fire and toughness, but is he really AAthe” quarterback? I think the offense really turned around after the shouting match Kitna had with (then-rookie wide receiver) Chad Johnson on the sidelines. Kitna grabbed a lot of players' attention with that, but why not more? That is exactly what the Bengals need. A leader. Who is the leader in the lockerroom?

        A: Linebacker Takeo Spikes is the undisputed heart and soul of the whole team. On offense, right tackle Willie Anderson acts as a sort of team psychologist. He is gifted at talking with nearly any of his teammates in a non-threatening but effective way. Other players are positive examples, such as veteran offensive linemen Richmond Webb and John Jackson, but they don't lead on as large a scale as Spikes and Anderson.

        Q, from Greg in Cincinnati: With the Bengals losing Reinard Wilson, who will the Bengals sign to replace him?

        A: I'm not so sure Wilson will be gone. He's testing the market -- he will visit the Vikings on Monday -- but three-down money might not be available for a sack specialist. If he does go, look for defensive coordinator Mark Duffner and defensive line coach Tim Krumrie to come up with some schemes that put linebacker Steve Foley in pass-rushing situations, or maybe even Adrian Ross.

        Q, from Ron in Jacksonville, Fla.: Living in Florida now, this is my only source of up-to-date Bengals news. Drew Bledsoe is a great quarterback. Not only would he be able to lead our team on the field, but he also would be able to take Akili Smith under his wing and make him the quarterback that everyone knows he can be. What do you think?

        A: I think it's improbable that the Bengals will trade for Bledsoe. Denver has reportedly started talking to the Patriots. Bledsoe would do well in Cincinnati, but he would do well with just about any NFL team.

        As for Smith, I think some people don't have much faith in him becoming a quality NFL quarterback, just as some people think he will.

        Q, from Kevin in Lexington, Ky.: When does the Bengals' training camp begin in Georgetown, Ky.?

        A: The first workouts are Friday, July 26.

        Mark Curnutte covers the Bengals for the Enquirer. He can be reached at mcurnutte@enquirer.com.

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