July 4, 2008

Look for Bengals CB David Jones to push for playing time in the Bengals’ nickel and dime defenses after a strong showing in offseason workouts. Jones, a fifth-round pick of the Saints in the 2007 draft, signed with Cincinnati after being released by New Orleans last summer. The Bengals, who played the Saints last August, liked what they saw of Jones, and we hear they have liked the way he’s taken to new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme. Jones’ primary competitor is veteran Deltha O’Neal, who lost his starting job last season and has struggled with consistency throughout his career. However, O’Neal, 31, has a significant experience edge on Jones, and he boasts impressive natural ability.