As each day passes, the Cincinnati Bengals are getting closer to the dog days of training camp where the coaching staff will have a better opportunity to evaluate this year's draft picks, off-season acquisitions and the team's nucleus.

The Bengals wrapped up rookie mini-camp earlier this month and are now holding Organized Team Activities (OTA's), which run through the end of the month. The only team activity remaining before training camp hits in July is the team's mandatory mini-camp.

There is at least one rookie raring to go and ready to do his part by contributing.

Bengals rookie seventh-round draft pick DE Angelo Craig is a man on a mission and ready to help the ball club in any way shape, form or fashion.

"I'm willing to do whatever the team needs me to do as far as special teams, rushing the passer and playing linebacker," Craig said. "I see myself as a 3-4 guy who can rush and play linebacker."

During the team's rookie mini-camp Craig lined up at right end and looked quick and smooth off the edge. There was no denying that he set out to show the coaches his versatility.

"I'm trying to show them a little bit of everything — speed off the edge and whatever else coach has planned for me. I just want to learn the defense and get acclimated with the rest of the guys up front."

At 6-foot-4, 231-pound Craig came into camp a little light in the caboose for a defensive end by NFL standards. He showed up at the Scouting Combine weighing 252 pounds and a few weeks later at UC's Pro Day he weighed in at 242. Now with the Bengals he's down to 231 pounds.

According to Craig, there is no cause for concern and vows to be back to around 250 by training camp. He's viewed as a tweener due to his size, but has been an impact player nevertheless.

"I believe you should be judged by your play on the field," Craig said. "I did everything I was asked to do in college and to define me as a football player in some workout sweats doesn't define me as player at all. If you look at games and the Hula Bowl which I played in, I basically dominated."

Craig had two sacks and a forced fumble in the Hula Bowl and knows what it takes to be a great defensive end.

"You've got to have that quick first step and that motor that never stops to get in that backfield," he said."

All in which he possesses.

The former Cincinnati Bearcat said it was a dream come true to be drafted by the hometown Bengals.

"I know the direction the Bengals are headed in as a young team and wanting to build back up to where they were before. I just want to contribute as much as I can," Craig said.

With the organization seemly always at the center of controversy, Craig said that he and the other draft picks along with the free agent guys coming in are looking to get the Bengals back to where they are looked at in a positive light.

Right now, the rookie is off to a great start.