Ask Mark

        In a week, the Bengals will have made their first three choices in the NFL draft. And readers will have to find something else to ask about.

        Question, from Jeff in Safety Harbor, Fla.: Why is no one from Cincinnati talking about Joey Harrington, but Mel Kiper has the Bengals taking him at No. 10? He is a franchise QB. He could be the answer. In the Fiesta Bowl, he looked like a man playing against boys.

        Answer: The Bengals are considering picking Harrington if he's available when they draft.

        Q, from Steve in Louisville: I sure hope the Bengals hold off on drafting a QB. I think Harrington is a risk coming from the Pac-10. Ryan Leaf, Cade McNown, Akili Smith ... the list of underachievers goes on. I honestly think that Jon Kitna and/or Smith may turn a few heads this year. What is your opinion?

        A: Short of trading for Drew Bledsoe, it would seem that maintaining the continuity of Kitna with the young wide receivers in a second season in Bob Bratkowski's offense would give the Bengals their most productive pass offense. The Bengals could get a more immediate contribution from a top cornerback, safety, offensive tackle or tight end.

        Q, from Donnie in Ludlow, Ky.: Who would be the next person in line to take over the Bengals once Mike Brown steps down?

        A: His daughter, Katie Blackburn, who is the Bengals' executive vice president. But Brown has no plans to retire any time soon.

        Q, from Ben in Lexington: Please explain to me why in the world any team could feel so motivated to re-sign Artrell Hawkins? He has been one of the Bengals' weakest links. Am I wrong?

        A: For fear of incurring the wrath of the anti-Artrell lobby, I saw Hawkins improve significantly between 2000 and 2001. He credits his position coach, Kevin Coyle, for teaching him improved technique and detail. Hawkins has matured and is motivated to lift his game even more.

        Q, from Jake in Arlington, Va.: Could you name one other third-string quarterback that gets any media attention other than Akili Smith? Why are we wasting our time entertaining him?

        A: He's actually the second stringer, and he makes news because he was a No.3 overall draft pick and commanded a $10.8 million signing bonus. His attempted return from a torn hamstring is worth reporting because he has a chance to start or get playing time as a backup.

        Q, from Rich in Milford: I've been reading all of these articles lately on how Akili Smith has been meeting with Bob Bratkowski to go over the Bengals' offense. Isn't it strange that he isn't working with the quarterbacks coach? Where's Kenny Anderson in all this? It goes to the point that the Bengals have not been able to develop a quarterback when they don't have enough confidence in the position coach to let him teach the offense to the players.

        A: It's only fair to note that Anderson has been on the road scouting all draft-eligible quarterbacks. Anderson's opinion will carry weight during the draft. Besides, the offense is the one Bratkowski brought to town a year ago.

        Mark Curnutte covers the Bengals for the Enquirer. He can be reached here.

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