Go behind the scenes with Dave Lapham In The Trenches for an exclusive interview with Stephen Radicevic, the Cincinnati Bengals' Director of Pro Personnel! Get a deep dive into the Bengals' team-building philosophy, how they approach the NFL Draft, and their strategy in free agency.

The Bengals' "Draft, Develop, Retain" philosophy and signing key players like Burrow, Chase, & Higgins.

The detailed process of evaluating players for the NFL Draft (meetings, integrating coaches, character assessment).

His journey from player/coach to a key personnel executive.

The importance of position versatility in roster construction.

Evaluating veteran free agents and finding the right fits.

We want to thank Steven for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Welcome back for Part 2 of Dave Lapham's exclusive conversation with NFL legend Phil Simms on In The Trenches. Following up on Part 1, Phil dives deeper into the upcoming NFL Draft, team building, and the mindset required to succeed.

Detailed thoughts on the 2024 NFL Draft class, particularly Offensive and Defensive Linemen.

The depth of talent available beyond the top picks.

Evaluating draft prospects: looking beyond pure athleticism to technique and consistency.

His philosophy on player development and the year-round commitment required in the NFL.

Specific insights on potential Bengals draft needs and how the 17th pick might play out.

We want to thank Phil for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

NFL legend, Super Bowl MVP, and longtime broadcaster Phil Simms joins Dave Lapham In The Trenches for a can't-miss conversation! Simms, who still holds Super Bowl records for completion percentage and QB rating, shares his invaluable insights gleaned from decades in and around the game.

His legendary playing career with the New York Giants and Super Bowl success.

Holding enduring Super Bowl passing records.

His transition into a highly successful broadcasting career (ESPN, NBC, CBS).

How the NFL game has evolved from his playing days to now.

Thoughts on the current NFL landscape, including free agency and draft strategies.

Insights into the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason moves and draft possibilities.

We want to thank Phil for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Bengals Center and Offensive Captain Ted Karras sits down with Dave Lapham for an exclusive, insightful interview on In The Trenches. Go deep inside the O-line room, explore leadership principles, and get Ted's unique perspective on playing with two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Comparing the leadership styles and on-field attributes of Joe Burrow and Tom Brady.

His role as an offensive captain and his leadership philosophy.

His family's incredible multi-generational legacy in the NFL (3rd generation Karras player).

Insights into offensive line play, fundamentals, and technique.

Working with new offensive line coaches Scott Peters and Mike McCarthy.

We want to thank Ted for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Join Dave Lapham In The Trenches for an exclusive interview with Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver, Andrei Iosivas! Hear directly from "Yoshi" about his unique journey from track and field star at Princeton (and Decathlon record holder!) to NFL weapon.

How his Decathlon/Heptathlon background translates to his NFL athleticism and skill set.

His development as a wide receiver and his role in the Bengals explosive offense.

Working alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the Bengals' dynamic WR room.

The importance of WR Coach Troy Walters and his mentorship.

The incredible team chemistry and family atmosphere within the Bengals locker room.

His excitement for the upcoming 2024 season and the potential of this Bengals team.

We want to thank Andrei for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Join Dave Lapham In The Trenches for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator, Dan Pitcher! Hailed as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL, Pitcher breaks down the potent Bengals offense heading into the 2024 season.

The unique brilliance and special traits of QB Joe Burrow.

The dynamic WR duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and their importance.

The Bengals' "Draft, Develop, Retain" philosophy in action.

Insights into the offseason process: self-scouting, free agency, and draft preparation.

New Offensive Line Coach Scott Peters and his unique coaching techniques.

The roles and skills of key players like Mike Gesicki, Chase Brown, and Samaje Perine.

The importance of player intelligence, versatility, and making life hard for opposing defenses.

Maintaining coaching staff continuity and building team chemistry.

His overall offensive philosophy and approach to utilizing the team's many weapons.

We want to thank Coach Pitcher for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Dive deep into the Cincinnati Bengals' philosophy and strategy heading into the crucial 2025 NFL Draft. As April arrives, so does the anticipation for how the Bengals will build upon their foundation. This video explores the enduring principle established by team founder Paul Brown: Draft, Develop, Retain. This core tenet remains the bedrock of the Bengals' approach to team building, aiming for sustained success rather than quick fixes.

We examine recent proof of this philosophy in action, highlighting the extensions and mega-deals for cornerstone players like Joe Burrow (2020 1st pick), Tee Higgins (2020 2nd round pick), and Ja'Marr Chase (2021 1st pick). These moves underscore the commitment to identifying talent in the draft, nurturing its growth within the Bengals' system, and ultimately securing those players for the long term.

The discussion extends to the Bengals' recent free agency moves, where 13 out of 17 initial signings were their own players they opted to retain. This further emphasizes their dedication to keeping homegrown talent like Mike Gesicki, BJ Hill, Tanner Hudson, Joseph Ossai, and Cam Sample while strategically adding external pieces. This strategy has not only built continuity but also contributed to making Cincinnati an increasingly attractive destination for free agents seeking a successful and stable environment.

A significant portion of the video delves into the unique structure of the Bengals' draft evaluation process, another legacy of Paul Brown. Learn how the coaching staff is deeply integrated, acting as extensions of the scouting department. Position coaches meticulously break down film and study tape, project players' fits into the Bengals' specific offensive and defensive schemes, and actively participate in interviews and visits.

Discover the potential "secret weapon" the Bengals possess this year with Defensive Coordinator Al Golden. His recent experience coaching at Notre Dame provides invaluable insight into Fighting Irish prospects like Howard Cross, Jack Kiser, Xavier Watts, and Benjamin Morrison. Beyond just Notre Dame players, Golden's recent immersion in the college game means he's prepared defensive game plans against a wide array of top college offenses and prospects nationwide, giving the Bengals an extra layer of evaluation depth. This insight, combined with the college coaching backgrounds of other staff members (OL, DL, LB coaches), creates a robust evaluation team.

The video emphasizes why this draft aligns perfectly with the Bengals' pressing needs. Experts widely regard the 2025 draft class as exceptionally deep along the interior offensive and defensive lines – precisely where Cincinnati needs reinforcement to compete effectively, especially within the physical AFC North.

We identify and analyze several potential draft targets who could bolster the trenches:

Offensive Line: Names like Kelvin Banks (Texas), Will Campbell (LSU), Josh Conerly (Oregon), Marcus Minor (Purdue), Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona), and Gray Zabel (NDSU) are discussed, with a strong emphasis on the crucial trait of position versatility. The ability of a lineman to play both tackle and guard or multiple interior spots is highly valued in today's NFL.

Defensive Line: Explore prospects suited for the interior, like Notre Dame's Howard Cross, Michigan's powerful duo of Mason Graham and the exceptionally athletic Kenneth Grant, Oklahoma's long-armed Derek Harmon, Kentucky's massive Deone Walker, and Ohio State's Tyleik Williams. The need for stout run defenders and interior pass rush is paramount.

Edge Rushers: This section briefly touches upon high-upside edge players like Abdul Carter (Penn State), James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), and Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), acknowledging the Bengals' potential interest if top talent slides.

Ultimately, the Bengals' draft strategy involves identifying the best available athlete who fits their culture and scheme, particularly when top talent unexpectedly falls. While needs on the offensive and defensive lines are clear, the Bengals won't hesitate to add value at other positions. This draft presents a massive opportunity to solidify the lines, protect Joe Burrow, improve the run defense, and maximize their championship window by adhering to their time-tested "Draft, Develop, Retain" philosophy.

Join us for the 3rd Annual First Star Logistics Draft Party! Watch Day 2 (Rounds 2 & 3) live from Handlebar at Great American Ballpark, starting Friday, April 25th at 7 PM. Hosted by Brad Johansen, with analysis from Joe Goodberry and myself, plus special Bengals guests! It's sold out in person, but you can catch the live stream exclusively on the First Star Media Group YouTube channel!

Don't miss it!

Dive back into the fascinating world of NFL scouting in Part 2 of Dave Lapham's insightful conversation with Cincinnati Bengals Scouting Director Mike Potts.

Following up on their initial discussion, Lapham and Potts delve deeper into the intricate process of evaluating talent for the NFL Draft, offering Bengals fans and draft enthusiasts a rare glimpse behind the curtain.

This segment tackles the crucial balance between on-field performance ("the tape") and athletic testing metrics from events like the NFL Combine. Potts emphasizes that while game film remains the ultimate arbiter ("the biggest deal is put on the tape and what do you see, right?"), athletic testing provides valuable context and potential indicators. They discuss the challenge of projecting players whose testing numbers might not align perfectly with their college production, exploring how scheme, coaching, or usage might influence what's seen on film. Can a player with "freakish" athletic traits but modest college stats be unlocked in the Bengals' system? Potts explains how the scouting department works to answer these complex questions.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around gathering comprehensive player intelligence. Potts details how the Bengals leverage every available resource – from internal coaching staff insights (mentioning new additions like Al Golden and Jerry Montgomery, who bring fresh perspectives from college and other pro teams) to extensive networks of college contacts. He explains the value of coaches who have either game-planned against a prospect or coached them directly, providing nuanced understanding beyond the raw film.

The conversation highlights the importance of the player interview process. It's not just about football knowledge; it's about understanding the person, their character, work ethic, and how they might fit into the Bengals' locker room culture. Potts shares how they assess football IQ – can the player articulate concepts, understand schemes, and "talk football" intelligently when breaking down film? Interestingly, he notes that sometimes the most impressive prospects aren't the most polished interviewees, and vice-versa, requiring scouts to look deeper. Lapham probes Potts to see whether players ever ask insightful questions back, revealing another layer of the evaluation.

Potts, a former quarterback himself (William & Mary, brief pro stints), shares his perspective on how having played the game informs his scouting approach. He discusses how that experience helps him understand locker room dynamics, recognize subtle on-field traits, evaluate positional nuances, and relate to the pressures players face. This lived experience adds a crucial dimension to interpreting player profiles.

They touch upon the current state of the Bengals' roster-building philosophy, acknowledging the "good problem" of having drafted exceptionally well with stars like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. The discussion implicitly covers the challenges of retaining top talent under the salary cap, referencing the franchise tag on Higgins and Chase's potential market-setting value. The ongoing situation with Trey Hendrickson is also alluded to, illustrating the constant evaluation involved in managing the roster and cap, weighing player value against compensation and team needs. Potts reinforces the goal isn't to get rid of good players, but to continuously find ways to improve the team through all avenues – draft, free agency, and trades – while maintaining financial flexibility and avoiding burdensome "dead money."

Specific position groups from the recent Combine are discussed, acknowledging the remarkable athleticism on display, particularly along the defensive and offensive lines and in the secondary. Potts notes the trend of players getting bigger, stronger, and faster each year, presenting exciting but challenging evaluations. They discuss the depth present in this year's draft across various positions, emphasizing that while some spots might be more "top-heavy," there's talent to be found throughout the draft.

Ultimately, Potts paints a picture of a meticulous, multi-layered evaluation process that goes far beyond just watching highlights. It involves synthesizing film, athletic data, medical information, character assessments, scheme fit projections, and input from coaches and contacts to build a comprehensive draft board. He stresses the collaborative nature of the process and the goal of finding players who not only possess talent but also align with the Bengals' culture and vision for sustained success.

This Part 2 discussion is essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the modern NFL scouting landscape and the Cincinnati Bengals' specific approach to building a championship-caliber roster.