CINCINNATI — The draft is over. The rookie minicamp is complete. And the offseason workout program is in full swing.

The Cincinnati Bengals' next step on the road to the 2007 NFL season takes place today through Sunday when they conduct their full-squad mandatory minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium.

Here are five pressing issues facing the club:

Secondary shakedown: Left cornerback Deltha O'Neal is supposed to start opposite Johnathan Joseph, but rookie first-round draft pick Leon Hall is quickly closing the gap on O'Neal, who was a no-show during the first week of on-field coaching sessions.

O'Neal, who was limited to 12 games (seven starts) in 2006 because of knee soreness and a bruised shoulder, must prove he's physically and mentally capable of rebounding from a miserable season. If not, Hall's the man.

Linebacker logjam: On paper, the starters from left to right are Rashad Jeanty, Ahmad Brooks and Ed Hartwell, with Eric Henderson, Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson the top backups.

But Andre Frazier and undrafted rookies Earl Everett and Matt Muncy are in the mix. And don't forget Odell Thurman, who will apply for reinstatement after a yearlong drug suspension.

With 10 players fighting for six or seven spots, the competition is fierce. Let the separation begin.

Wildness at wide receiver: Tab Perry has recovered from a severe right hip injury and regained his speed.

But the jury is out on whether he'll be able to overtake Antonio Chatman, Bennie Brazell and Glenn Holt for the No. 3 role in the wake of Chris Henry's eight-game suspension.

Henry's big-play ability will be missed, but the club will try to make up for his absence with the creative use of its deep, young talent.

Tailback talk: Second-round pick Kenny Irons is a quick, fast and physical back with breakaway speed. But like most rookies, he has to prove he can be trusted in pass protection.

Even if Kenny Irons wins the job as Rudi Johnson's sidekick, Kenny Watson has a great chance to stick because he's an outstanding special teams player. He's capable of returning kickoffs and is rugged in kick coverage.

Backup tight end: Ronnie Ghent, Gregg Guenther, Daniel Coats, Tim Day and Sean Mulcahy are battling to serve as Reggie Kelly's backup.

The position opened up when free agent Tony Stewart signed with the Oakland Raiders.

The Bengals carried only two tight ends in '06 and could do the same this year. The job will go to the most capable blocker and receiver.

This street fight will continue deep into training camp.

See more at www.daytondailynews.com