Deltha O'Neal is the incumbent, an eight-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowl player who set a Bengals record with 10 interceptions in 2005 only to struggle through an injury-riddled 2006 season in which he recorded just one pick.

Leon Hall is the new kid on the block, a rookie first-round choice (No. 18 overall) who enters the league as the player thought to be the most NFL-ready cornerback in the draft.  The mercurial O'Neal is blessed with great speed and ball skills, but lacks consistency.  If he doesn't get his act together, Hall could be starting by the bye in Week 5.  Hall, who generated 12 INTs and 43 pass-breakups in 37 starts at Michigan, has an excellent feel for press, man and zone coverages.

Cincinnati Bengals fans are fortunate because they have unprecedented access to players during training camp at Georgetown College.

Fans are close to the action when the team practices on either of two auxiliary fields, and there isn't a bad seat in the house when practice shifts to the main stage at Toyota Stadium.  Players sign autographs after every workout — head coach Marvin Lewis makes it mandatory — and the Aug. 1 practice ends with a fireworks display.  Here's my six-step fans' guide to a rewarding camp experience:

Arrive early. Gates open one hour before morning and afternoon practices, and two hours before night practices. If you push deadline, you'll get stuck in a massive traffic jam. The later your arrival, the bigger your temper tantrum.  Carpool. Admission is free, but parking is $15 per car. Families can cut their costs by "filling up."  Dress for success. It's best to wear cool, comfortable clothing, including cap and sneakers. Flip-flops? DON'T! They'll slow you down. Pop-up thunderstorms can strike, so be prepared. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen.  Stay hydrated. It's not uncommon for temperatures to push 100 degrees. If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, it's too late. Fans are allowed to bring plastic bottles of water and lawn chairs to the auxiliary fields, but no chairs or coolers are allowed inside the stadium.  Watch and listen. You'll learn something because you'll hear coaches' instructions and player interaction.

Thursday: Players report; no practice.

Friday: 3-5 p.m.

Saturday: 9-11 a.m., 7-9 p.m.

July 29: 3-5 p.m.

July 30: 9-11 a.m., 7-9 p.m.

July 31: 3-5 p.m.

Aug. 1: 9-11 a.m., 7-9 p.m. (fireworks after practice)

Bengals sixth-round draft pick Matt Toeaina said Tuesday he's ready to contribute to the team in any way possible. Now all the Bengals have to do is sign the 300-plus-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle.  The Bengals have contacted Toeaina's agent, Angelo Wright, and a deal could be completed before the July 27 opening of training camp."My thing is to go in there and do a good job," Toeaina said. "It's all in the process of being a rookie. I have to allow the coaches to see me and use me in any way they see fit.

"Whether it's developing me as a D-tackle, a sub, or whatever — I have to be ready for all of that. I hope to get better each day and eventually work my way into a starting spot." The Bengals drafted the versatile defensive lineman to play in rotation on a defensive front that finished the season ranked No. 15 against the run. Toeaina will be reunited with high school teammates Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene along the defensive line.

When it comes to Bengals talk or just general Cincinnati sports talk, the new cincinnatisportstalk.com really gives fans a little bit of everything, Bengals, Reds, football, baseball, pro basketball, tennis, hockey, and many other great sports as well.  The forum has just gone live and already Cincinnatisportstalk.com is picking up steam.

Cincinnatisportstalk.com was initially set up as the forum for Bengals fan who were going to whodeycentral.com.  With whodeycentral.com’s recent change to growlzone.com, we decided to create a forum that would not only be utilized by Bengals fans for Bengals news, Bengals photos, and to let fans give their feedback on what is happening with the Bengals, but also for fans of all Cincinnati based teams.  Cicinnatisportstalk.com has all sports including pro sports, minor league sports, college sports, and even high school sports.

He stands 5’11 and half.  He can run a 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds.  He played his college football as a starting Cornerback for three years at the University of Michigan, and he may be the next big thing in Cincinnati.  From all reports, Leon Hall is not disappointing anyone in Bengals World.  Not only is he extremely athletic, but he is a smart and approaches his business in a very professional manner.

Despite he was rarely tested in college due to his ability to shut opposing receivers  down, and the knock on him for his closing speed when playing up against fast receivers, Leon Hall is just what the Bengals need.  He has a definite skill set, and a propensity to get to where the play is.  He has been recognized as a solid tackler by many of the so called draft experts.  Hall has good size for a Cornerback.  He has the ability to close in on the ball fast and show great timing.  He has a talent for being in a position to make a play.

Since arriving in Cincinnati, Hall has impressed both on the filed and off.  Leon Hall appears to be the whole package, and with training camp right around the corner, Hall should be in the mix and competing for a starting role with the team.