The Bengals are convinced they drafted some good football players over the weekend. They also drafted some smart ones.

        “That's a start,” coach Dick LeBeau said. “You've got to get out of the huddle. You've got to know what you're supposed to do.”

        First-round pick Levi Jones went to Arizona State on an academic scholarship before earning a football one. He's taking a final course that will complete a degree in exercise science with a minor in business administration.

        Second-round pick Lamont Thompson, the Washington State safety, has studied social science with an emphasis in human development and sports management.

        Third-round pick Matt Schobel, a tight end from Texas Christian, is a psychology major.

        Travis Dorsch, the kicker from Purdue taken in the fourth round, is an academic all-American in psychology.

        Sixth-rounder Marquand Manuel, the strong safety from Florida, has his degree in criminology and law and is in graduate school studying mental health counseling.

        Defensive end Joey Evans Jr. has a degree in exercise science from North Carolina.

        “We are trying to get guys who wear well,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. “People we can present to the community with pride who won't embarrass themselves or us.

        “We've done it different ways here. Years ago, when Pittsburgh was riding high, we were drafting for character. (It) didn't always do much good. Once you put them out on the field with some of those guys, we felt that maybe we'd have to do what we were competing against.

        “And we've done our share of that, but this thing has gone full circle now, and we're back to trying to get people that we think are quality people.”

        UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS: The Bengals will likely announce the signings of undrafted college free agents today, player personnel director Jim Lippincott said late Monday.

        QUOTE OF THE DAY: Brown on Jones: “He's got good feet, more quickness than some others that may be a little bit bigger. Then shake his hand and you'll think that he's big enough. I can guarantee you that. Look at his feet, and it looks like a snowshoe rabbit. He's got big feet.”

Still wanted: backup quarterback Bengals notes: Picks' brains were considered, too Bengals tried to deal What they're saying about Bengals' draft Jets sign free agent cornerback Abraham

White the specialist Reds need
Reds vs. Rockies series preview
MLB notes: Giambi returning to Oakland
Twins, Expos alive and well
Track's dangerous game
Holcomb sets hit mark at N. Richmond
Baseball results
Boys tennis results
Boys track results
Girls tennis results
Girls track results
Softball results
Munoz decides on OSU
Ducks goalie added to Team USA roster
Philadelphia Bonked by Ottawa
Kidd's big night paces Nets
Stars are ailing for Magic-Hornets
Ogden Phipps, 93, dies
Pro soccer team leases fairgrounds
Ten U.S. thirtysomethings on World Cup roster
Coming up this week

• Return to Bengals front page...