Jeb

Sunday, June 25, 2006

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

The performance of Johnathan Joseph is making Bengals coaches and scouts smile.

The first-round draft pick, a cornerback from South Carolina, is showing the speed, quickness and grasp of the game that the Bengals talked about on draft day.

The sense inside the organization is Joseph will contribute sooner than later as a rookie.

An additional benefit is how Joseph's presence is pushing third-year cornerback Keiwan Ratliff. Ratliff has been shuttled from corner to safety because of injuries at safety.

But with that position strengthened in the offseason, the Bengals are leaving Ratliff alone to concentrate on cornerback.

Ratliff has the inside track on the nickel role - the fifth defensive back in passing downs - but Joseph is threatening.

Roster competition is ideal. It's a desired outcome of drafting wisely.

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http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...379/1066/rss07

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TNdolfan54

for a second i thought u were talking bout me (joseph is my name) but anyways, i think he was a good pickup for the bengals and cud see him contribute alot to their already good D

Jeb

Get this, ...He intercepted a ball on Chad, ...LOL! Now, I'll give Chad some leeway in that it was a little underthrown but come on, ...who's the vet here?

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