By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals are concentrating on defense in free agency, particularly linemen and, beginning Tuesday night, cornerbacks.

Denard Walker, formerly of Denver and Tennessee, arrived late Tuesday and will begin his formal visit today.

FREE AGENCY: DAY 5

A quick overview of the Bengals' free agent action Tuesday: • CONFIRMED: The Bengals confirmed visits Tuesday by the following players: Duane Clemons (DE, Kansas City), Jermaine Lewis (WE, kick return specialist, Houston), Nicolas Luchey (FB, Bengals) and John Thornton (DL, Tennessee). • UNCONFIRMED: Denard Walker (CB, Denver) arrived Tuesday night for a visit today with the Bengals. • EN ROUTE: Tory James (CB, Oakland) will fly in today for an official visit Thursday with the Bengals. • TALKING: The Bengals and an agent for Tyrone Williams (CB, Green Bay) are trying to arrange a visit. The Bengals also would like to talk to Colts DE Brad Scioli.

Former Broncos and Raiders cornerback Tory James will follow Walker into Cincinnati. James should be in town tonight, agent Rick Smith said.

Former Green Bay Packers corner Tyrone Williams could follow. Williams' agent, Dick Davis, said he and the Bengals "have been having some chats. We're kicking some numbers around."

Among their other conversations, the Bengals have talked to agent Jim Steiner about Bills linebacker Keith Newman, although "we don't have anything scheduled yet," Steiner said late Tuesday.

The Bengals also were trying to schedule a visit with Colts defensive end Brad Scioli, who had seven sacks last season and recently turned down a multiyear offer to stay in Indianapolis.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis did confirm four visits Tuesday. He said wide receiver Jermaine Lewis (Houston), defensive lineman John Thornton (Tennessee), defensive end Duane Clemons (Kansas City) and fullback Nicolas Luchey (Bengals) were in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

"We're having some great conversations," Marvin Lewis said.

Asked if any signings were imminent, Lewis said: "We'll see. I think we have a chance to get things done."

Ken Landphere, agent for Jermaine Lewis and Luchey, did not return two phone messages left Tuesday at his Atlanta office.

Clemons, a six-year pro, had 30 tackles and two sacks last season for the Chiefs, who released him.

Thornton started 16 games for the Titans last season, after playing in just three in 2001 because of a right shoulder injury. He had two sacks in 2002 and is regarded as an outstanding locker room presence.

Luchey is talking to the Bengals only because Marvin Lewis has taken over as coach and because former starter Lorenzo Neal signed a contract Friday with San Diego. Luchey also visited Green Bay and Cleveland, where he met with his former college coach at the University of Miami, Browns coach Butch Davis.

The Bengals are believed to be pursuing Luchey more aggressively because of Neal's departure.

Jermaine Lewis is a Marvin Lewis favorite. Familiar with each other from their years together in Baltimore, Marvin Lewis would want to use Jermaine Lewis as a wide receiver, in addition to employing him as a kickoff and punt-return specialist.

"I think Jermaine has a lot of upside as a wide receiver," Marvin Lewis said. "I had to practice against him every day, and he made us a much better defensive team when he was out there working against our guys. I know he has legitimate ability. He's special, because you just don't go get guys with that kind of speed. I love his competitiveness. I love his nature."

The affection could end up being mutual. Jermaine Lewis is expected to sign where he is given more opportunity to play at wide receiver.

As for the cornerbacks, James has seven year of NFL experience, the last three with the Raiders. He had 41 tackles and four interceptions in 2002, raising his career total to 18 interceptions.

Walker, a former Titan and Bronco, had just one interception in 2002. A salary-cap cut in Denver, Walker is known as a solid cover corner who blankets receivers and does not allow big plays. The 2002 Bengals allowed plenty of big plays in the pass game, giving up 30 touchdown passes, second most to Minnesota's 33 in the league.

Williams played in 111 of a possible 112 games in his NFL career with the Packers. He also appears to fit the winning mold Marvin Lewis is looking to bring to Cincinnati. Williams is the only player to play on consecutive collegiate national champions (Nebraska 1994-95) and be on a winning Super Bowl team (Packers, 1996) as a rookie.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com