NFL 2010: Five Things We Learned at Bengals Mini-Camp

The Bengals off-season workouts are complete. The near unanimous opinion is that the roster is better than it was last season. This could be the most talented Bengal team in a long time. However, this team faces the fourth-hardest schedule in football. A 10-win season is possible but will be tough.

Here is what we learned at the off-season workouts.

Chad Ochocinco

Ochocinco was a little rusty but it is still early. By all accounts, he showed terrific speed and is in great shape. Bengals fans have little to worry about with Carson Palmer's favorite receiver. There is little reason to believe that he won't put up his normal season.

Overall, the Bengals receivers are going to be much better than what we saw in 2009.

Jerome Simpson

Jerome Simpson will be given every opportunity to earn a spot on the team. Bengal fans have heard this before but he appears to be improved enough to make a contribution. Simpson should make the final cut as the 5th or 6th receiver. Matt Jones, on the other hand, will likely not be around for long.

The rookies

Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley will both make a big impact on the offense. The Bengals love both of these rookies. Both of them are likely going to be starting for the 2010 Bengals at some point.

By mid-season, expect to see Gresham and Shipley along with Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant as a formidable set of receivers.

Michael Johnson

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer raved about Michael Johnson. If all goes as planned, Johnson will line up at defensive end and outside linebacker this season. Opposing offenses won't know if he will rush the passer or drop back in coverage. Last year, his freakish athletic ability was obvious. With a year under his belt, the sky is the limit.

Adam Jones

Mike Brown may have struck gold with signing Adam Jones.

Jones showed the Bengals that he has not lost any speed. However, more importantly, he also showed them that he is ready to step into the nickel corner spot. Have the Bengals ever had three cornerbacks like Jonathan Joseph, Leon Hall, and Jones?

There is also a very good chance that he replaces Quan Cosby as the team's main returner.

More Bengals articles

How do you feel about the Bengals? While thinking about that, check out these other Bengals articles:

This article gives us reasons not to worry about Ochocinco.

This article lists five reasons not to miss Shayne Graham.

This article gives five reasons why the Bengals should sign JaMarcus Russell.

This article reviews the top unrestricted free agent signings by the Bengals.

This article looks at Carson Palmer's career and why he hasn't gotten a playoff win.

This article gives five reasons why the Bengals signed Adam "Pacman" Jones.

This article asks some questions about the Bengals draft.

This article wonders whether Marvin Lewis should be signed to an extension.

This article questions the Antonio Bryant signing.

This article debates the Matt Jones pickup.

Check them out...don't cost nothin'.