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CINCINNATI — First-round draft pick Keith Rivers didn't waste any time making an impact on opening day of the Cincinnati Bengals' rookie minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium.

From his weak-side linebacker spot, which he played at the University of Southern California, Rivers showed good speed, fought through traffic and flowed to the football Friday, May 2.

"I got in the playbook a little bit (Thursday) night and was able to pick things up," he said.

Familiarity with the position breeds "an easy transition," according to Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.

"There will be differences in terminology, but he's obviously very, very comfortable," Lewis said. "That's an advantage and a plus."

Humble beginnings

Second-round draft pick Jerome Simpson is confident he'll produce instant offense, but first things first.

"My expectations coming in are just to earn a spot and play," the wide receiver from Coastal Carolina said. "That's what everybody's here to do.

"I'm playing the (flanker) now. I used to play (split end), but it's not too much of a difference. It's just a matter of learning different formations and adapting to a more up-tempo style of play."

Moore. Not less

Five former Cincinnati Bearcats are among the 47 players here, including tailback Greg Moore.

The 6-foot-1, 217-pounder from Trotwood-Madison High School was invited to camp on a tryout basis.

Moore rushed for 450 yards and two touchdowns in 2007, helping the Bearcats to a 10-3 record and 31-21 victory over Southern Mississippi in the Papajohns.com Bowl.

Watchful eyes

Quarterback Carson Palmer and cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph were among the veterans who witnessed morning practice.

Strong safety Dexter Jackson gave the rookies a motivational speech Thursday night.

"I thought it was a big thing for these young kids to see three of the last five first-round draft picks out there at practice," Lewis said. "We tried to surround them with a group that — in the worst way — wants to win.

"Dexter Jackson addressed the group (with) what it's going to take to come into the NFL and what they have ahead of them. It's their opportunity to make a dent here, make a splash and help this team improve."

Tattoo parlor

Wide receiver Andre Caldwell is inked up with 17 tattoos.

One of his favorite tattoos has the words "Born To Fly" emblazoned across his chest between a pair of wings that decorate his breast plates.

Caldwell had the tattoo sketched into his skin eight months ago for a reason.

"I was just born to exceed expectations, compete, get better every day, and just try to make a name for myself," he said. "The sky's the limit for me."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@coxohio.com

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