After hosting T'Vondre Sweat on an official pre-draft visit, and the guys speculating about his fit with the team on day 2, he was arrested in Texas for a DWI charge. We break down how that impacts his standing on the Bengals' draft board and how that may shape their plans for the defensive tackle position on days 2 and 3 of the 2024 NFL draft.Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms...
Apr 08, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1875
The guys run through another Mock Draft Monday episode, starting with a high upside offensive tackle in the first round. They opt for youth and upside at a few key decision points throughout the early part of the draft with an offensive focus throughout the first 4 rounds of this week's simulation.Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...
Apr 07, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1874
The Cincinnati Bengals have visited with nose tackle after nose tackle in the last week, and the biggest and most highly-regarded is T'Vondre Sweat. The guys break down why it's an important visit for the Bengals and Sweat and where he might get drafted. We also take mailbag questions on looking for instant impact with premium picks in the 2024 draft, with free agency buoying the team in recent years, and the likelihood of a Tyler Boyd return. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https:...
Apr 04, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1873
Tee Higgins hasn't publicly retracteed his trade request, so the guys break down whether Buffalo trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans tells us anything about the hypothetical trade market for Higgins. Plus, the Bengals are hosting some high-profile offensive tackle prospects for in person pre-draft meetings. Amarius Mims and Troy Fautanu were in town this week, and the guys break down what those visits mean and how those players would fit with the Bengals. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Commun...
Apr 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1872
The guys break down what would have to happen in the NFL draft to feel comfortable drafting Brock Bowers, should he be available to the Bengals at pick 18. The Bengals also hosted some draft prospects that may give clues as to what they're thinking about with mid-to-late round picks. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked...
Apr 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1871
The guys review your Elite 8 votes in our bracket series where you elect your favorite target for the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round. Some tighter matchups than the first round were highlighted by Byron Murphy vs. Brock Bowers and Taliese Fuaga vs. Johnny Newton. Plus, we break down why the Bengals could realistically pick a wide receiver on day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals ...
Apr 01, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1870
With the NFL draft less than a month away, what better way to start the month than with 3 separate 3-round mock drafts on different simulators all in one episode?! Different scenarios, different boards, different options available in each. Which combination of players do you like best? Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lock...
Mar 31, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1869
The Cincinnati Bengals have a reasonable amount of cap space left, but there aren't many major moves left for them to make between now and training camp. The guys break down how the Bengals might use their remaining cap space and what moves you can expect between now and the draft. Then, we dive into where the Bengals will look in this year's draft for an instant-impact player with their highest pick in the last few years. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/loc...
Mar 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1868
James confirmed with sources on Wednesday that Joe Burrow is throwing footballs as he continues rehab from his wrist injury. The guys break down another piece of encouraging news after Zac Taylor doubled down on Burrow's parcitipation in the offseason program. Plus, Katie Blackburn says negotiations haven't yet begun with Ja'Marr Chase as they wait for Justin Jefferson's contract. We also have a 16-player bracket in the spirit of March Madness to determine who your favorite target is for pick 18...
Mar 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 1867
The Cincinnati Bengals signed six external free agents. They patched the holes and the guys break down the scenarios where they've done enough to open up the possibilities to stay flexible in the draft. Plus, we got details on the bargain the Bengals got on Trent Brown's contract, and break down more rule and schedule changes the NFL announced on Tuesday. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podca...
Mar 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1866
At the NFL's annual meetings, Zac Taylor provided an update on Joe Burrow's recovery and is comfortable enough with his progress to say that the goal for Burrow's return is the offseason program. While it's not a massive update, Taylor has been gunshy around timelines when recovery is uncertain, so there's something to the comments. He also weighed in on Tee Higgins and Dax Hill's respective futures, and we break down what the Cincinnati Bengals' had to say. Plus, Katie Blackburn is on the compe...
Mar 25, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1865
With Trent Brown pencilled in at right tackle and Sheldon Rankins in line to start at defensive tackle, along with the rest of the Bengals' free agency haul, the guys dive back into the mock draft simulator for another NFL draft experiment. What happens if you don't take an offensive tackle in the first round? Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts....
Mar 24, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1864
The guys take a look at the free agency the Bengals have put together through 2 weeks, including a lot of one-for-one departures and replacements, and get to the bottom of how the Bengals have gotten better (or worse) in 2024's free agency. While this isn't likely to be a group we look back at and see cornerstone pieces like Trey Hendrickson, Mike Hilton, or DJ Reader, it is good value and good work to plug holes with players that look like great fits on paper. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider...
Mar 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1863
Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAA...
Mar 20, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1862
The Bengals moved quickly when Trent Brown arrived in Cincinnati, inking the offensive tackle to a 1-year deal. Jake and James react to the news now that the deal is done, the highlights of what Brown had to say to the media, and what's next for the Bengals in free agency. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals...
Mar 19, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1861
Trent Brown is reportedly visiting the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. We broke down the Bengals interest in the veteran tackle yesterday, but how would he fit with the Bengals' pass-heavy offense? One interesting stat says Brown can be trusted on an island in pass protection. Plus, we get into how the running game will evolve with Zack Moss's pairing with Chase Brown, and hit the highlights of Ted Karras' Cincy Hat St. Tatty's Day event. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://join...
Mar 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1860
The Cincinnati Bengals may have shifted their attention in the trenches to Trent Brown, who could provide some versatility and stability at the tackle position if the ship has sailed on Mekhi Becton. Plus, we discuss Sheldon Rankins' hilarious and intriguing presser that suggests he could be a versatile piece on the defensive interior and not just a pass rusher. We also grade the Bengals' free agency period so far, where we like the moves but wonder if it's enough, and discuss what could change ...
Mar 18, 2024•36 min•Ep. 1859
Mekhi Becton and Teair Tart were Bengals free agency targets we've been talking about since the combine. They visited the Bengals and went through the normal free agent courting ritual at dinner with Joe Burrow during their visits, but for the first time, we didn't get signed contracts shortly thereafter. While we wait to see whether a further market develops for Tart or Becton, the guys review the remaining options in the trenches, and continue to discuss what the plan may be for the suddenly c...
Mar 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1858
The Cincinnati Bengals lost DJ Reader to the Detroit Lions for a deal similar to what they gave Sheldon Rankins, and losing him is a significant blow - especially if he recovers as expected. But with the addition of Rankins, the Bengals are courting Teair Tart to try to replace some of Reader's nose tackle snaps. They are also hosting Mekhi Becton as a right tackle solution before they might draft one - but they don't want to get to the draft in dire straits at the position. Meanwhile, Vonn Bell...
Mar 14, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1857
The Cincinnati Bengals dove into the interior defender waters by finally signing Sheldon Rankins, after a previous attempt in 2021 came up empty, to a 2-year deal. They're hoping he provides the kind of pass rushing juice they've been missing on the interior since Larry Ogunjobi departed. That doesn't close the door to DJ Reader's return - they play different positions on the defensive interior - but it does add something they needed anyway, which is disruption at DT. They also saw free agent RT...
Mar 14, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1856
The guys break down Mike Gesicki's fit as the Cincinnati Bengals' 2024 one-year rental tight end, and how Gesicki is a different kind of player than Hayden Hurst, Irv Smith Jr, and CJ Uzomah. Plus, it turns out Joe Mixon was actually traded to the Texans Tuesday after initial reports of his release surfaced Monday night, and the Bengals are still waiting for the DJ Reader domino to fall so they can figure out what they're doing at defensive tackle. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! h...
Mar 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1855
The Cincinnati Bengals made a big change at running back, releasing long-time veteran Joe Mixon after adding former Colts and Bills running back Zack Moss. The guys break down how Moss may improve the running game in lieu of Mixon on the 2024 roster, reminisce on Mixon's time in Cincinnati, and catch up on Akeem Davis-Gaither and other late NFL news from Monday night.Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your fa...
Mar 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 1854
Tee Higgins went public with a trade request early on Monday, then with the open of free agency negotations the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with Geno Stone on a 2-year deal to play free safety, and one of their 6th round compensatory picks was upgraded to a 3rd rounder. The guys break down what the trade request means, how Geno Stone fits with Dax Hill, and the significant comp pick news from an action-packed Monday. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lo...
Mar 11, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1853
The guys try to read the tea leaves and predict what the Cincinnati Bengals will do in 2024's free agency period. They've got a number of clear needs and the guys expect the Bengals to spend starting money on nose tackle, safety, and right tackle. We're expecting the running back room to turn over, and a bunch of familiar faces at tight end. But the Bengals have had surprises up their sleeve the last few years in free agency! Plus, we break down why the NFL Management Council may have made a mis...
Mar 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1852
With free agency around the corner, the guys put their GM hats on and try to come up with some free agency "shoulds" for the Cincinnati Bengals, including a plan at right tackle and the defensive interior. The Bengals also need to rebuild the tight end room as they're looking to use their salary cap space next week, and will could stand to improve on depth at corner and safety. So, let's run through their favorite "somewhat realistic" free agency targets. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Commu...
Mar 07, 2024•36 min•Ep. 1851
Will the Cincinnati Bengals fix the trenches in free agency? What's going on with Tee Higgins? What about the safety, running back, and tight end free agency groups? James Rapien and Jake Liscow are joined by Pro Football Focus contract and salary cap expert Brad Spielberger (@PFF_Brad) to answer those questions, identify potential free agent fits and more! Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite pod...
Mar 06, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1850
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of cap space heading into the 2024 new league year. They could hypothetically fit Mike Onwenu and Christian Wilkins into their salary cap and have plenty of space left to fill out the roster. But should they go for the big fish? What about guaranteed money obstacles? The guys talk about some of the bigger names and the overall texture of the free agency class at positions of need, and where the Bengals could end up spending their considerable cap space in the ne...
Mar 05, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1849
Joe Burrow expects to be cleared for contact in May and offered an update on his recovery at charity event on Sunday, so the guys break down the most significant comments from the Cincinnati Bengals' star QB. Plus, we wrap up the rest of the combine, with notes on standout offensive linemen and the defensive side of the ball. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts: h...
Mar 05, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1848
The guys dive into the standout performers from the skill position group at the NFL Combine, and how that may affect the Cincinnati Bengals' offseason plans. Between a deep FA class at RB and some intriguing prospects in a draft that's said to be shallow, their decisionmaking at running back remains interesting. Plus, if you were hoping for a second round WR, the Bengals may be picking a bit too late in the round for the impact player you were hoping for after the combine. We wrap up with a conv...
Mar 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1847
Dan Pitcher talked about getting more explosive on offense and the Cincinnati Bengals' self-scouting process with the media in Indy, and the guys break down the most interesting takeaways from the new offensive coordinator. That included thoughts on the offensive line from Pitcher and Frank Pollack, and Darrin Simmons frankly addressing the future of the punter position in Cincinnati involving at least some competition for Brad Robbins. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joins...
Mar 01, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1846
