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CINCINNATI — Two of the most memorable moments in University of Florida wide receiver Andre Caldwell's life involve Ohio — beating Ohio State 41-14 for the national title (2006 season) and being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round Sunday, April 27.

Caldwell's 1-yard TD catch from Tim Tebow gave the Gators a 34-14 halftime lead over the Buckeyes.

"When I scored my touchdown and saw 0:00 on the clock, and we were victorious and the No. 1 team in the country, that was one of the best feelings in the world," Caldwell said. "It's second to this happening, getting drafted."

Tale of 2 tackles

The Bengals grabbed two monster defensive tackles — Auburn's Pat Sims (third round) and Fresno State's Jason Shirley (fifth round).

"I'm going to bring penetration in the backfield," Sims said. "I'm a pass rusher and a run stuffer."

Shirley's draft stock plummeted because of off-the-field issues that limited him to three games in 2007. He was suspended two games for conduct detrimental to the team, then suspended again after an Oct. 8 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. He faces a May 21 court date.

"We feel the outcome of the case will be in his favor," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "We've done considerable research and we've had him through a number of evaluations. It's a little bit of a risk. We felt with his ability and potential and what was pending, we would be able to deal with it."

Vote of confidence

Appalachian State free safety Corey Lynch, the Bengals' first sixth-round pick, raved about new teammate Jerome Simpson of Coastal Carolina.

They competed against one another at the NCAA Division I-AA level.

"I expect him to be the next big name in receivers," Lynch said. "You can't ask for more than Jerome Simpson. He has the speed. He has the length. He has jumping ability, the hands. He's the complete package."

Depth for the O-line

The Bengals were impressed enough with Kansas right offensive tackle Anthony Collins to make him their fourth-round pick. A road-grading run blocker, Collins provides insurance behind 13-year veteran Willie Anderson.

Offensive line coach Paul Alexander described Collins as a "Bengal-type offensive lineman."

Which is ...

"Big, explosive, strong, long arms, tough," Alexander said. "He can play either tackle or guard. He has enough reach, balance and poise that he can play on the left side. He doesn't necessarily have left-tackle feet, but has other traits where he could do OK there."

Seventh heaven

Louisville's Mario Urrutia joined T.J. Houshmandzadeh (2001) and ex-Bengal Bennie

Brazell (2006) as seventh-round receiver draft picks.

"We can't resist those receivers in the seventh round," Lewis said. "We found another one. He's a big target and a guy that's been really a vertical player. So we're excited about that."

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