Western-Star.com

CINCINNATI — A new era is dawning for the Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver corps.

The early selection of two wideouts in the 2008 NFL draft — Coastal Carolina University's Jerome Simpson in the second round Saturday, April 26, and Florida's Andre Caldwell in the third round Sunday — signals changes are coming.

Here's why: Chad Johnson is demanding a trade; T.J. Houshmandzadeh will command big money in 2009 when his contract expires at the end of this season; and Chris Henry is gone, released April 3.

"You always have to stay ahead of the curve," said Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, citing the free-agent exodus of Kelley Washington (Patriots), Kevin Walter (Texans) and Tab Perry (Dolphins) in recent years. "We went from a very strong and deep group to a group where we weren't able to replace any of those guys.

"I don't know that it's necessarily a message. It's just that we needed depth at the position. Now it'll be a very competitive situation to make the roster for the group that's going to be here."

Simpson (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) is the splendid sprinter with physical characteristics similar to Johnson, including great hands and deep speed, while Caldwell (6-1, 200) brings the kind of versatility that will help the club in the passing and running game.

In addition to being a playmaker with the ball in his hands, Caldwell is a punishing blocker. Like Houshmandzadeh, he has the physicality to fight through man coverage, and does a good job of tracking the ball in the air. He must improve the crispness of his routes, but shows fine body control.

"It's hard for a lot of these (draft-eligible) receivers to muster up what we're looking for here because we look at our guys and we get comfortable with how they run and how big and explosive they are," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said.

"So when we look at prospective guys coming out, you're looking for them to match those kind of characteristics. We're fortunate to find two guys who fit that bill. They have that kind of explosiveness, athleticism and ability to go track the ball and catch it. That's important to us for what we do offensively."

Caldwell looks forward to playing with Johnson. Maybe even replacing him.

"I idolize him," Caldwell said. "I've seen him make plays. That's who I try to model my game after."

Just not the touchdown celebrations.

"Nah, I'm not a dancer," he said. "I just go out and make plays, and do whatever it takes to help the team win the game."

Contact this reporter at or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Cincinnati Bengals picks by round

1. Keith Rivers, LB, 6-3, 235, Southern Cal — Fast, physical enforcer, immediate starter.

2. Jerome Simpson, WR, 6-2, 185, Coastal Carolina — A burner who makes circus catches.

3a. Pat Sims, DT, 6-4, 314, Auburn — Rugged run stuffer who will push the pile.

3b. Andre Caldwell, WR, 6-1, 200, Florida — Speedy receiver and physical blocker.

4. Anthony Collins, OT, 6-5, 317, Kansas — Road-grading right tackle gives offensive line some depth.

5. Jason Shirley, DT, 6-5, 329, Fresno State — Physical specimen, but a risky pick.

6a. Corey Lynch, FS, 6-0, 205, Appalachian State — Specialty is blocking kicks.

6b. Matt Sherry, TE, 6-4, 255, Villanova — Improving blocker, excellent receiver.

7a. Angelo Craig, DE, 6-5, 257, Cincinnati — Edge rusher who must improve speed.

7b. Mario Urrutia, WR, 6-5, 232, Louisville — Big target, will be a factor in the red zone.

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