Lewis: Draft `tilted' toward defense

INDIANAPOLIS -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis met with the national media this afternoon at the Indiana Convention Center before meeting prviately with Cincinnati-area media that covers the team.

Among the highlights of his two extended press briefings:

-- On the draft: "The draft is tilted toward the defense for us," though any position but quarterback is a possibility.

-- On linebacker/defensive end Adalius Thomas, who was not slapped with the franchise tag by the Baltimore Ravens and will become a free agent March 2: "Adalius Thomas is a player on the Baltimore Ravens."

-- On free agency: "The first thing we have done and need to do is address our own situation (Bengals players who are free agents). We put limitations on the outside because of what we have done (internally)."

-- Lewis said the Bengals would like to re-sign unrestricted free agents Reggie Kelly at tight end, Kevin Kaesviharn at safety and Kenny Watson as the third-down running back.

-- On Bengals free agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach: "The chances of Eric coming back are difficult. It's because he and his representation feel that they should be compensated at a certain level."

-- Center Eric Ghiaciuc grew physically as a player when forced to start because of the injury to Rich Braham, who has since retired. "Now we want to give Eric the opportunity to grow mentally."

-- On the injury front, tailback Chris Perry had screws removed from his surgically repaired ankle, and Lewis said the team was heading into the season as if it would not have the luxury of Perry's services. For that matter, Lewis said the team is not expecting to have linebacker David Pollack return from his fractured vertebrea, though Lewis would not rule out Pollack's return.

-- Right guard Bobbie Williams had shoulder and ankle surgery.

-- Linebacker Brian Simmons had knee surgery.

-- Defensive tackle Sam Adams had a knee cleanout, too.

-- Steinbach had hand surgery.

-- Lewis said the team is expecting more from cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who slumped in 2006, and from defensive end Justin Smith, designated last week as the team's franchise player. The Bengals want more sacks and more big plays from Smith.

-- In terms of linebacker Odell Thurman, currently serving a one-year league suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy, Lewis said the linebacker can apply June 11 for reinstatement. "We're trying to help a young man fix his life," Lewis said of Thurman, currently in alcohol rehab. "We don't want to fix Odell for football."