Cincinnati 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.

"Growing up with those guys (Peko and Fanene) and being reunited on this level is like a dream come true," he said. "As kids we never thought that we would end up together on a professional level."

So what are the Bengals getting in Toeaina? I think his agent said it best.

"Toeaina is a young man with outstanding character and solid work ethic," Wright said. "He's a throwback type of guy in an era where personalities have become ever so unique to deal with."

Toeaina is quick off the snap and shows good overall technique. He plays with a mean streak and is nasty in the trenches. He can be effective both inside and out. Toeaina could be very valuable to the Bengals' defense due to his ability to play every position across the line. In preparation for training camp Toeaina said he worked on positioning and overall consistency.

Working the lines

Getting draft choices signed is obviously a priority at this time of year, and the Bengals seem to be working hard toward that end.

The team has exchanged contract proposals with the representatives for fourth-round draft pick Marvin White, a safety. One of White's agents, Kevin Conner, is confident that a deal can be struck before camp. It is believed the two sides may be close.