Richmond Webb is nearing the end of his NFL career. But before he leaves the game, Webb will prepare Levi Jones to take over his job as Bengals left tackle. Jones, whom the Bengals took with the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft.

Veteran Richmond Webb shares a laugh with first-round pick Levi Jones. (Craig Ruttle photos) | ZOOM |

        Jones, a rookie from Arizona State, is seen as Webb's heir apparent and possibly the next great Bengals tackle. So far, reviews for Jones have been high.

        “I was really impressed,” Webb said Monday as minicamp ended. “Great work ethic. He's been real receptive.”

        In the 304-pound Jones, Webb has found a willing understudy. Jones has found a group of unofficial coaches. Webb has teamed with right tackle Willie Anderson and backup left tackle John Jackson to make the rookie's transition from college to the NFL a seamless one.

        So far, Jones said the rela tionship with Webb has worked out.

        “I'm not coming in immediately and taking his job,” Jones said. "It's something I've got to work for.”

Jones (76) battles with DE Eric Ogbogu (92) during drills. Running the ball is rookie Gavin Hoffman. | ZOOM |

        The veterans' job is easy because of Jones' personality. Teammates say he's a good listener and is always trying to learn.

        “The vets have been good to me,” Jones said. “They've given me all the advice they can give me.”

        When Jones needs a general overview about the NFL experience, he talks to Webb and Jackson, who are entering their 13th and 15th seasons, respectively.

        When Jones doesn't fully grasp a technical aspect of offensive line coach Paul Alexander's system, he asks Anderson, who has played under Alexander for eight years.

        The extra help worked. Jones was impressive during his first minicamp and showed why Bengals officials spoke so highly of him. Jones fared well against the team's best pass rushers and picked up on techniques fast.

        And technique is one of the biggest differences between college and the NFL. The plays are often the same, but the way they are executed differ.

        Anderson said rookies usually figure out things by the second or third day. He said Jones was ready the first practice session.

        “He came in and justified why we made him the 10th pick of the draft,” said Anderson, who was also a 10th overall pick by the Bengals in the 1996 draft. “He showed some toughness, a lot of aggressiveness. In the one-on-one pass rushes, you never saw him out of position.”

        Defensive end Justin Smith, the team's No.1 from 2001, also said Jones looked good during the non-contact practices.

        “He's definitely quick and seems to be a good athlete,” Smith said.

        Between snaps, Jones of ten was seen huddling with Webb, Alexander or Jackson, discussing the play before.

        Anderson downplayed the impact the veteran linemen have had on Jones.

        “We can't block for him,” Anderson said. “He still has to go out there and use his ability. All we can give him is a little polish and little things to help him along the way.”

        Their advice, though, comes at a price for Webb.

        Every time Webb takes Jones to the side and explains something to him, Webb moves one step closer to being replaced. Webb, 35, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and is signed through 2003.

        Jones, who is 23, was in junior high in 1990, the year Webb was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. As a top-10 pick, Jones probably will earn a signing bonus this summer around $7 million.

        “He's got some things to learn,” Bengals coach Dick LeBeau said. “But I think he will be a very quick learner. So we'll see how productive he becomes and how quickly he becomes that (a starter).”

Jones impresses Bengals veterans

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