Saturday, April 26, 2003
2nd round now 1st on Bengals' agenda
With top pick set, center may be next for club
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
With the first overall pick now ceremony over substance, the Bengals will turn their sights to the 33rd overall pick when the NFL draft begins today in New York City.
NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue will announce the Bengals' selection of quarterback Carson Palmer at noon today - about 45 hours after the club signed the former Southern Cal quarterback Thursday.
The attention of coach Marvin Lewis and the rest of the Bengals organization will turn to their first pick in the second round, which should be made at about 5 p.m.
The team's second-round pick could be directly affected by whether Cincinnati signs free agent center Gennaro DiNapoli. One of the agents for the former Tennessee Titans center said Friday DiNapoli might accept the Bengals' offer today.
If he doesn't, a center becomes a possibility in rounds 2 or 3. Wisconsin's Al Johnson, Notre Dame's Jeff Faine and Iowa's Bruce Nelson are the top three centers in the draft.
A cornerback also is a possibility. Illinois' Eugene Wilson, Texas A&M's Sammy Davis and Tennessee's Julian Battle are three pro-ready corners who could be there at No. 33.
Lewis would not reveal any possible picks but said Tuesday that the Bengals have their draft board set and that the decision essentially has been made. All that matters is watching to see which players will come off the board in the 31 picks between the Bengals'.
The Bengals also will have the first overall pick of the third round - No. 65 overall - today. A speed receiver, such as Middle Tennessee State's Tyrone Calico, is a likely choice.
The final four rounds will be Sunday. On Day 2, the Bengals will have the Nos. 98, 118, 136, 174, 215 and 259 picks. The 118th is the 21st in the fourth round and comes from New Orleans in exchange for tailback Curtis Keaton. The 259th pick is compensatory, awarded by the league.
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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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