Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals resumed communication with Trey Hendrickson about his contract and future, a sign for optimism that there will be a resolution. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down potential good news on the Hendrickson front, then dive into Zac Taylor's updated training camp and preseason plan as the Bengals' head coach is making changes in pursuit of a fast start.

Published: 17 June 2025

Joe Burrow is primed to light up the NFL after an MVP-worthy 2024 campaign. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the Bengals' star quarterback's offseason that looks ahead of schedule thanks to continuity and trust with his receiving targets. Plus, we get into the state of the Bengals' offensive guard competition with Dylan Fairchild in pole position to start at LG after the offseason program, and finish the show with Al Golden's notes on defense, including Demetrius Knight's immediate fit, and Joseph Ossai and Cam Sample as standouts.

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2025

Contract controversy rocks the Cincinnati Bengals as rookie Shemar Stewart's absence from minicamp steals the spotlight. What's behind this unexpected standoff between the first-round pick and the NFL franchise? Jake and James dissect the intricacies of Stewart's contract dispute, analyzing the language causing friction and its implications for future guarantees.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Contract drama is BACK for the Cincinnati Bengals as star players Shamar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson clash with management. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect Stewart's bold statements and Hendrickson's minicamp absence, exploring their potential impact on team chemistry. Joe Burrow acknowledged the distractions, but there's a silver lining: the team's engine on offense offense doesn't have those distractions, and instead has great continuity to build on.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Contract drama is BACK for the Cincinnati Bengals as star players Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson clash with management. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dissect Stewart's bold statements and Hendrickson's minicamp absence, exploring their potential impact on team chemistry. Joe Burrow acknowledged the distractions, but there's a silver lining: the team's engine on offense offense doesn't have those distractions, and instead has great continuity to build on.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are 18th in Pro Football Focus' NFL roster rankings. Is it too low? What needs to happen for the Bengals to move up? James Rapien and Jake Liscow react to the rankings, discuss some of the major question marks on the roster and explain why it's too low, even after the Bengals finished 9-8 in each of the past two seasons.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2025

Even with Aaron Rodgers reportedly joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, the AFC North pecking order feels unchanged. The Cincinnati Bengals have to get through the Baltimore Ravens and a generally annoying division, so Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the rest of the division looking for how they've improved as they try to set the division's power rankings in early June.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

While Bengals fans are waiting to see what will happen with Jermaine Burton's second year in the NFL, Tee Higgins was effusive with his praise for Andrei Iosivas on Tuesday after an OTA practice. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Yoshi should still be seen as a clear WR3 for the Bengals' prolific passing offense.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

There's a hype train building for Jermaine Burton, but we're still waiting for some first-hand proof that he's going to take a leap in year 2. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down their expectations for the Bengals' talented 2nd-year WR who could be one of the biggest X-Factors for the 2025 Bengals season. Plus, a long conversation about the Ring Of Honor, which will apparently be undergoing a process change after the 2025 class.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2025

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing, and his dad disclosing details about the negation adds fuel to the fire as Bengals fans are enduring an offseason of dramatic reporting about Stewart and Trey Hendrickson after surviving the Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase sagas. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why it's so ugly this year, the intrigue around Demetrius Knight Jr. and guaranteed money for second round picks, Cordell Volson's smaller-than-expected paycut, and the latest on the Paycor lease extension.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

We've said it once, we've said it a hundred times: Al Golden has his work cut out for him in getting the Cincinnati Bengals' defense to bounce back in 2025. Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry to discuss how exactly that could happen, including how scheme can help veterans like Cam Taylor-Britt and Geno Stone bounce back, and how development will be crucial in the front seven for players like Myles Murphy, Shemar Stewart, and Demetrius Knight.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals had an elite offense in 2024, even if you want to nitpick, but it could get even better on the margins in 2025. Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry (Bengals On The Brain) to break down how Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the Bengals offense can find ways to improve on an already excellent unit and take another step forward in 2025.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

With the Bengals' 2025 roster mostly set, it's hard to see too many positions where they clearly improved the room. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into each position group on the offense and defense to discuss how they got better at running back, and arguably several other positions including linebacker and defensive end, but are leaving a lot up to chance or development.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals have had some dramatic contract negotiations play out publicly in recent history, notably including Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson, and now 2025 first round pick Shemar Stewart. Jake Liscow and James Rapien explain the latest as Pro Football Talk reported the details that Stewart's camp are looking to resolve in his rookie contract, and why the Bengals seem to find themselves in this situation so often. Plus, NFL schedule-maker Mike North talked with Geoff Hobson about the Bengals' 2025 schedule, including something that seems like regret over putting the Bengals on the road for TNF in Baltimore for the third straight year.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2025

Like most years, the Cincinnati Bengals will have interesting roster battles in training camp in 2025, and 3rd round pick Dylan Fairchild may be the X-Factor contestant for a starting job at left guard. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the most interesting roster battles the team will work through in 2025 before discussing the precedented history of a third straight Thursday Night divisional game and the special teams questions heading into this season.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals quietly renegotiated Cordell Volson's contract, likely retaining him for 2025 after speculation his salary would be unpalatable for a backup. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why the Bengals renegotiated Volson's contract, the Bengals' addition of two scouts, and the best Olympic flag football fit after owners voted to allow NFL players to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are in the news again because Shemar Stewart isn't practicing and Joe Burrow weighed in on Trey Hendrickson's contract situation. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the latest on Stewart's rookie contract dispute with the Bengals that is preventing valuable early learning for the rookie, the Bengals plans for starters to participate more in the preseason, and Burrow's support for Hendrickson's "market value."

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

As the Bengals eye a potential solution to defensive tackle depth, the spotlight is on Montravius Adams' ability to be a DT5 for Cincinnati's defense. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the potential fit for Adams from a playstyle perspective to several key aspects of familiarity with the division and Jerry Montgomery. Then the guys get into which position might be the next most likely for the Bengals to address if they continue to evaluate veteran options, from guard and safety to wide receiver.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

The latest in the Trey Hendrickson contract saga is a report that the Cincinnati Bengals made a $28 million offer. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down where that number came from, why it's probably not quite enough - especially if it's only for one year - and where the middle ground needs to be.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2025

Shemar Stewart still isn't practicing for the Cincinnati Bengals, as far as we know, so he's missing potential development time. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the importance of getting the Bengals' 2025 first round pick on the field as soon as possible, and what the hold-up is in contract negotiations. Plus, Cincinnati wants to host a draft before the end of the decade, and a few more thoughts on the 2025 Bengals schedule.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Another year, another road Thursday Night Football game in Baltimore. Hosts Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the challenges of imbalanced home and away games, primetime slots, and a critical stretch of games against the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

The Trey Hendrickson drama just won't go away, and it escalated on Tuesday as he made a surprise appearance and clarified, vented, and aired grievances on the practice field. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down what we learned, how we got here, and why this won't go away quietly as Hendrickson's public negotiation tactic escalated, again.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason has been marked by contract drama. Whether it's Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, or Hamilton County, negotiations have been aired out in public along the way. And given their recent history, the front office isn't getting the benefit of the doubt. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the latest in a long saga of tiresome contract drama after another Hendrickson statement about communication.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are the only team in the NFL to use just one day for their rookie minicamp. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss why the Bengals take that approach and the standouts from the rookies' first day on the field and in the locker room in Cincinnati. Plus, we get into this year's UDFA class that's led by Rimington Trophy winner, center Seth McLaughlin, who hopes to be in the mix for a roster spot coming off his Achilles injury at Ohio State last November.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2025

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew reacts to the Locked On Network's latest 2025 NFL Power Rankings as put together by members of the Locked On NFL Channel.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

With the resources to make moves, the same handful of free agent options, and roster spots available for veterans, there are still ways for the Cincinnati Bengals to improve their roster in 2025. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the options, the impetus for improvement, and whether or not the Bengals will actually make the moves they could make. If they don't, we finish with a preliminary exploration of what parts of the roster actually improved.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Brandon Thorn, as good of an OL evaluator as we have in NFL media, is here to break down the Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 offensive line outlook. We get into the Bengals' rookie additions in Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers, how Amarius Mims progressed over his rookie year, the potential impact of new OL coach Scott Peters, and how it all fits together with veterans Ted Karras and Orlando Brown.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals created more cap space after Geno Stone agreed to a reduced salary in exchange for guarantees in 2025, similar to Zack Moss earlier this offseason. Now the question is whether they'll spend that money to improve the team - and they'd better. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the updated cap situation for the Bengals and whether they'll use that money on external free agents or Trey Hendrickson, and dig into the team's first open practice of 2025 that featured a Joe Burrow absence.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

When we discussed Shemar Stewart in the pre-draft process, we mentioned other teams that would love to have him. Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Company is one of those believers. Chris Simms of NBC Sports had Stewart No. 2 in his list of edge rushers before the draft.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals approached the 2025 draft looking for upside. Jake Liscow is joined by CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner to get another take on the Bengals' draft, why at least 4 players in this class look like upside swings, and the similarities and differences between Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy as prospects.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2025

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew reacts to Shedeur Sanders massive slide in the NFL Draft and how it was ultimately covered. Which NFL teams had the best first-round selections and which QB drafted has the best chance at playing right away and being in the offensive rookie of the year conversation?

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

In part 2 of our conversation with Mike Potts, Cincinnati Bengals Director of College Scouting, we unpack days 2 and 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Potts shares insight from the Bengals' front office on how the team landed on two linebackers and offensive linemen, and we dive into the specifics on what they liked about Dylan Fairchild, Jalen Rivers, Demetrius Knight Jr, Barrett Carter, and Tahj Brooks.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

It's time for our annual discussion with Mike Potts, Cincinnati Bengals Director of College Scouting, as we reflect on the Bengals' draft class. In the first of a two-parter, Potts shares insights from the draft room that landed on Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight Jr. to start the 2025 draft class.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are picking up Dax Hill's fifth-year option for the 2026 season. The guys breakdown what this means for Hill, the Bengals and the cornerback room! Plus, we break down Cincinnati's post-draft depth chart and take an in-depth look at the offensive line, defensive line and secondary roster battles that look like they'll definite the offseason.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 NFL draft can be summarized by high-character selections and early risk. Jake Liscow and James Rapien get into snap draft grades for the Bengals' class, including the risk on Shemar Stewart, a questionable approach to day 2, and good value swings on day 3.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals added high-character players in the 2025 NFL draft, and that theme continued with double dips on Saturday. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how day 3 picks Barrett Carter, Jalen Rivers, and Tahj Brooks fit into the Bengals' plans, and how the entire draft class comes together to be a high character group of players who can be early contributors.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals added two potential starters on day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft with linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. and left guard Dylan Fairchild. But Jake Liscow and James Rapien have questions about the process that led the Bengals to prioritizing linebacker ahead of guard in the second round, even if the players themselves could make sense for what they're trying to do. Knight should start right away and profiles to be a 3-down linebacker in Al Golden's defense, while Fairchild is familiar with Scott Peters' strike system and should be the favorite to start at left guard. So what's the problem? The guys break it all down.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Can the Cincinnati Bengals' gamble on Shamar Stewart redefine their defensive line? With the NFL draft spotlight on Stewart, a player boasting explosive athleticism yet needing development, the Bengals are betting on potential over past performance. This episode unpacks Stewart's selection, his athletic prowess, and the risk the Bengals took with selecting him at #17.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here! It's time for the annual predictive mock draft episode, so Jake Liscow and James Rapien go through 6 rounds of projecting every player the Bengals will select this weekend. In a less predictable draft than we've had in recent years, the guys explore the Derrick Harmons and Shemar Stewarts of the first round, the guard options in the second round, and so much more!

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County have reached a memorandum of understanding on a new stadium lease! James Rapien and Jake Liscow explain what it means for the Bengals' future, plus they share thoughts on Duke Tobin's recent comments ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, some under-the-radar targets and more!

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

As we get closer and closer to Thursday, Jake Liscow and James Rapien are gathering more and more information about how the Bengals will approach the draft, with more specific insights about particular players. The guys break down Tobin's pre-draft presser takeaways as we're trying to work out who the Bengals will prioritize this weekend.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry navigate the mock draft simulator for one final Mock Draft Monday as Draft Week 2025 has arrived, and explore the possibility of an early double dip at guard. What if the Bengals just, finally, protected Joe Burrow and figured the rest out later?

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2025

Given the Cincinnati Bengals' needs heading into the 2025 NFL draft, what combination of players makes the most sense for their first 3 picks? Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry break down three 3-round scenarios featuring players like Malaki Starks, Deone Walker, Xavier Watts, and Kelvin Banks Jr. in a "choose your adventure" discussion that explores the upside and opportunity cost to each approach.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew reacts to the Locked On Network's league wide mock draft. Which rookies are offensive rookie and defensive rookie of the year candidates. Which picks did the panel disagree with, and which teams had the best mock draft?

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Who will the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers select in the 2025 NFL Draft? Walter Nolen, Tyler Booker, James Pearce Jr., Omarion Hampton, Kenneth Grant, and Colston Loveland come off the board. Locked On’s seven-episode Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NFL Mock Draft search Locked On NFL Draft wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

The ideal candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals' first round pick are clear. Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry discuss who the Bengals should target in the first round, and why.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Jake Liscow is joined by Joe Goodberry, the godfather of Cincinnati Bengals draft content creation, to break down the 2025 "Draft Sheet" to discuss some of the best fits

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Pre-draft visits for the Cincinnati Bengals suggest they're preparing contingencies for first round possibilities outside of the trenches, and that trend continued with DT T.J. Sanders and OL Jalen Rivers on reported visits this week.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

In our penultimate Mock Draft Monday before the 2025 NFL Draft, Locked On Bengals is here to patch as many holes as they can with early impact players in a 4-round mock draft simulator run.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals are doing their due diligence on round 2 running backs with in-person visits ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025