Notes: Quez gets lift on option; Hill bullish on Mixon

Cornerback Darqueze Dennard was a bit surprised when he heard the Bengals had exercised his fifth year option over the week despite being plagued by injuries his first three seasons.

“It’s a confidence boost,” Dennard said. “I don’t think they’ve really seen what I can do yet.” ….

Running back Jeremy Hill, who reached out to second-round Joe Mixon on Friday, has no problems with the pick.

“He came here for a visit and they liked him a lot and they didn’t have any issues with him as a person so I got all the faith in the coaches,” Hill said. “He was a good kid. Obviously he had that one ordeal that he obviously regrets, but other than that he’s a solid kid. He keeps his head down and works…