By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Of the nine players drafted by the Bengals in April, all made the team and three became regular contributors.

YEAR IN REVIEW

• Lewis not satisfied, but says foundation is solid • Teammate: 'Good riddance,' Corey • The envelope please ... • 2003 season recap • 2003 storylines • Lewis plans no changes, credits his co-workers • 17th pick could bolster defense • Major free agent acquisitions pay off in starting lineup • Johnson a hot property • Kitna wants to stay Bengal • Rookie class makes immediate contributions • Season stats

A quick look at the 2003 draft:

• Carson Palmer, QB, Southern Cal, first round: The No. 1 overall pick and 2002 Heisman Trophy winner displayed his potential in the preseason but didn't play a snap in the regular season. He served as Jon Kitna's immediate backup for seven games.

• Eric Steinbach, LG, Iowa, second round: As athletic as any lineman, Steinbach solidified his reputation as an agile and powerful guard. He started 15 of 16 games - missing his only game because of injury - and was most effective on runs when he pulled from left to right.

• Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee, third round: The nameplate above his locker says it all: The Future. Washington displayed his talent in all 16 games (three starts) and caught 22 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns.

• Dennis Weathersby, DB, Oregon State, fourth round: The victim of a drive-by shooting days before the draft, Weathersby recovered and played in four games. He was inactive in 12. The Bengals probably will count on him more in 2004.

• Jeremi Johnson, FB, Western Kentucky, fourth round: Johnson adjusted well and became a valued blocker for an offense that rushed for 1,987 yards this season. He carried 15 times for 41 yards and one touchdown and caught 15 passes for 82 yards and one score.

• Khalid Abdullah, LB, Mars Hill, fifth round: The former Division II All-American played in all 16 games on special teams and had 14 total tackles.

• Langston Moore, DT, South Carolina, sixth round: Moore was promoted from the practice squad Dec. 9 but did not appear in a game.

• Scott Kooistra, OT, North Carolina State, seventh round: He played in eight games.

• Elton Patterson, DE, Central Florida, seventh round: Patterson was on the inactive list for all 16 games.

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