"Definitely by far it's been the best offseason program since I've been here," Palmer said. "There have been no distractions. Everyone has been here to work and that's been great for us. There's been competition in the weight room and during wind sprints to outdo each other."

--The Bengals did what had been rumored for the last two months with the release of offensive tackle Levi Jones. The team had informed Jones and his agent, Kenneth Zuckerman, that the team was going to trade him before or during the draft, and if that didn't happen, then they would release him.

Jones' release became even more inevitable when they drafted Andre Smith in the first round.

"There are no hard feelings. Levi feels grateful to the Bengals for drafting him and giving him the opportunity," Zuckerman said. "He is looking forward to getting on with his career, finding a new home and continuing to play pro football."

--With doubts about whether Antonio Chatman can remain healthy, it looks like Quan Cosby and Tom Nelson will have the opportunity to win the punt return job. Both were signed as undrafted free agents.

Cosby, who led Texas to a Fiesta Bowl win over Ohio State, got to Cincinnati Friday afternoon and missed the first practice but quickly caught up. Nelson, who played at Southern Illinois, got on the team's radar with two returns for touchdowns last year.

--With Jones' release, Andre Smith has every intention of winning the left tackle spot.

"That's home, that's the side I want to be on," Smith said. "There are some different things to learn, but it's exciting."

While Smith would like to immediately take up residence there, offensive line coach Paul Alexander will make the final decision. Anthony Collins started six games at left tackle last year and will also get some reps there.

"We make the decision on Day B and this is Day A. He looked good. He's powerful, has strong balance and hands," Alexander said. "There are so many fine points to being a great offensive lineman that he has to learn, and we're looking forward to teaching him every little thing. You're out there with him like the way a golf pro watches them hit the ball. You're fine tuning rather than overhauling."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It seems like everyone in our room no one wanted, including me, so we'll see." -- Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer when asked how much the defense has to prove this year.