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Somewhere, Carson Palmer was smiling. The Bengals quarterback got more protection and another weapon yesterday.

After concentrating on defense during Day 1 of the NFL draft, the club turned its attention to offense on Day 2.

The Bengals plucked a pair of Central Michigan offensive linemen -- center Eric Ghiaciuc and left tackle Adam Kieft -- in Rounds 4 and 5, then tapped UCLA wide receiver Tab Perry in Round 6 before closing out the draft with Utah defensive end Jonathan Fanene in Round 7.

Perry (6-foot-3, 229 pounds) joins third-round pick, West Virginia's Chris Henry (6-4, 197), as big-play threats for Palmer.

"I haven't talked to Carson yet, but wherever he is, I know he's excited because I am," receivers coach Hue Jackson said. "If I know him, he's jumping up and down, probably throwing footballs off the wall."

Yes, the crowded house at wide receiver -- Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Peter Warrick, Kelley Washington, Kevin Walter, Cliff Russell, Matt Cherry and Jamall Broussard -- just got a little more crowded.

"It's a tremendous message that is being sent to our football team," Jackson said. "We're trying to do everything we can to get better at any position, wherever we can upgrade and become a better team. It's right along with (Coach Marvin Lewis') statement: 'Starting faster.'

"Whoever is going to help us get that fast start, we want to make sure they have an opportunity to be on our team."

The offensive line got a much-needed infusion of talent, especially at center, where starter Rich Braham, 35, is unsigned and recovering from a broken bone in his leg. Until drafting Ghiaciuc 119th overall, the Bengals had only one center on the roster in Larry Moore.

Offensive line coach Paul Alexander said Ghiaciuc (prounced Guy-check), a former wrestler, could start right away.

Ghiaciuc's former roommate, Kieft, will learn behind Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, while Perry and Henry will be groomed by the veteran wideouts. Perry has a chance to unseat Russell as the No. 1 kickoff returner.

Fanene (6-3, 290), a Hawaiian native raised in American Samoa, will compete at defensive end. He also can play tackle.

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