DaytonDailyNews.com

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Cincinnati Bengals second-round draft pick Kenny Irons signed a four-year contract on Thursday and a deal involving fourth-rounder Marvin White is imminent.

That leaves cornerback Leon Hall, the club's first-round pick, as the final piece of the contract puzzle.

Hall's agent, Doug Hendrickson, said he's hopeful an agreement can be reached today in time for Hall to hit the practice field at 3 p.m.

No surprise

Left defensive tackle Michael Myers, a free agent from the Denver Broncos, said he wasn't surprised to be relegated to second string on the depth chart behind Domata Peko.

"I understand why he (head coach Marvin Lewis) did it," Myers said. "I'm coming in trying to learn the plays, and just get the terminology down."

Will he climb the depth chart?

"Most definitely," Myers said. "That's why I'm here."

Chemistry class

Quarterback Carson Palmer carried shirts and shoes from his Chevy truck to his dorm room. He also brought along a winning attitude.

"We're started in the right direction," he said. "We had the right attitude in the OTAs and minicamps. Now it's time to finish all that off, get ready for the season and build teamwork."

Orange beard

Xzavie Jackson, a nondrafted rookie defensive end from Missouri, arrived with an orange beard that included a three-inch-long orange goatee.

"I was just thinking of something new to do," he said. "I dyed it myself."

New starter

Anointed the No. 1 left guard, fourth-year pro Stacy Andrews has officially tossed his "project" label into the garbage can.

"I knew I had a lot to learn my first year (2004)," he said. "So I worked at right guard and right tackle. Now I'm doing left guard. That 'project' tag is out the window now.

"I'm going to do my best. I'm ready for it. I want to be the man. I've got to protect Carson. I've got to open up holes for Rudi (Johnson). I've got to do it all."

Middle man

Middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks juggled a portable DVD player and CD player en route to his dorm room, pausing to speak with reporters.

"I'm hoping to get a lot out of training camp," he said.

Brooks said he feels sorry for the man he's replacing, Odell Thurman, who must endure a second straight season-long suspension.

"It's an unfortunate situation," Brooks said. "The Bengals are 100 percent behind him and we hope he can come back."