With the Bengals having completed a successful free agency signing period, fans are turning their thoughts and questions to the draft.

Question, from Jason in Frankfort, Ky.: CNNSI.com is reporting that the Bengals will take Terence Newman with the first overall pick in the draft. Is this valid? If so, do you think the Bengals will draft a quarterback in the second round? Maybe Chris Simms? What are your thoughts on this?

Answer: Newman, the Kansas State cornerback, appears to be the flavor of the week. Even the most reputable mock drafts are educated guesses, at best.

The Bengals, under the direction of coach Marvin Lewis, have been secretive about their plans. All Lewis - the organization's "one voice" - will say is that the Bengals will take the best player available.

Newman, wide receiver Charles Rogers or one of a few defensive linemen would make a more immediate contribution than using the first overall pick on quarterback Carson Palmer.

Newman is similar to the player Bengals defensive coaches wanted to draft at No. 10 overall last season, cornerback Phillip Buchanon. Newman is a potential shut-down corner and an accomplished kick return specialist.

Simms, Kyle Boller and Dave Ragone are among the quarterbacks who figure to be available at the top of the second round.

Palmer still looks to be too much to resist at No. 1, though.

Q, from Jimmy in Washington, D.C.: Whom would you rather have with your first two picks: QB Carson Palmer and WR Kelley Washington, or WR Charlie Rogers and QB Chris Simms? (Quarterback Jon) Kitna would be ecstatic with Rogers and Chad Johnson lined up at WR, and Simms would have a year to develop without the pressure that accompanies being the No. 1 choice in the draft. Plus, making some noise about Rogers could only help the value of the pick if a trade is the ultimate goal. And, to top it off, there's something about seeing a blonde, left-handed QB in the orange and black.

A: Sounds like you've made your choice of Rogers and Simms (your second coming of Boomer Esiason). The Bengals have a great many options this year, and more than one combination of choices will help them. Rest assured, with Lewis in charge, the decision will be well thought-out.

From Philip in Sydney, Australia: Wondering why the Bengals keep Akili Smith. He has proven only one thing: He is not a good QB.

A: Lewis said he has talked to Smith and challenged him to come well-prepared to training camp and compete hard. Smith said the retention of offensive Bob Bratkowski, the anointing of Kitna as the training camp starter and the team's investment of a first- or second-round quarterback signal the end of his days with the Bengals. He's probably right. The Bengals will not do anything with Smith until June 1, when his release would allow them to absorb the remaining $4.6 million of his signing bonus over two salary-cap years. A good showing by Smith in training camp could garner the Bengals a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick as return in a trade.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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