The Bengals welcomed there 8th Linebacker to the team, Darryl Blackstock. He was signed to a one year deal of $520,000 and a $40,000 bonus. No one spectacular, Stats Inc. has some thoughts:

Blackstock is aggressive and explosive. He has an excellent first step and initial burst. He displays good overall quickness and play speed. He can blow up ball carriers. He can be devastating when moving forward and attacking downhill. But Blackstock isn't very agile, mature or prepared for a 4-3 scheme. He needs to become a better worker, especially because he has so many adjustments to make from his playing style as a college 3-4 linebacker. He is accustomed to being an upfield player. He looks a little stiff when playing in reverse. He must improve his instincts, particularly in coverage. He can be a step late to react and loses leverage on ball carriers.

Eight linebackers, by the way, does include in-limbo Odell Thurman and David Pollack. 

Shaun Alexander

In other news, Cincy Jungle has a posting quoting the very smart John Clayton, from ESPN, discussing the possibility of the Bengals picking up Seahawks disappointing Shaun Alexander.

Yeah, just what we need. Let's get rid of Rudi Johnson after a single disappointing year for a guy with two disappointing years in a row. Heck, it'd be a better idea to draft a running back then get an over-the-hill running back.