CINCINNATI – Former Eastern Illinois offensive tackle Otis Hudson became the second rookie to sign his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals as he finalized details on Wednesday with the club. Hudson was a fifth round selection by the Bengals and is currently penciled in as the backup for right guard Bobbie Williams.

“Otis needs work to polish his technique, but he's a big, explosive man with NFL physical ability,” said offensive line coach Paul Alexander in a news release. “He's a player we can work with and develop.”
The Bengals admit that the big man is a diamond in the rough, but have high hopes for him in the future. They showed that commitment level by signing Hudson to a four-year contract worth a reported $1.79 million and an $187,000 signing bonus.

Earlier this year wide receiver Dez Briscoe, a sixth round selection out of Kansas signed with the Bengals. The team is slated to open their training camp in 21 days on July 29 at Georgetown College in Kentucky. The Bengals first exhibition game is August 8 at Dallas with the game airing on NBC at 7 p.m. (Central). The regular season opens for Cincinnati on Sept. 12 at New England with the game carried on CBS at Noon (Central).

Hudson was a two-year starter for the Panthers after transferring from Minnesota. He graded out at 82 percent for his career playing right tackle with 39 career decleater blocks. He helped EIU win the OVC championship as a senior as they team advanced to the FCS playoffs.