In the Trenches with Dave Lapham

In Episode 243 of Bengals On The Brain, presented by First Star Logistics, Joe Goodberry takes a deep dive into the post-free agency landscape for the Cincinnati Bengals. With the initial frenzy of the open market settling down, Goodberry provides a fresh perspective on the team's roster construction, the significance of recent extensions, and a comprehensive three-round mock draft using the PFF simulator to project the Bengals’ future.

Goodberry opens the episode by noting that while the Bengals haven't made a major external splash since the last recording, their internal moves and the lingering backup quarterback situation remain front and center. He discusses the potential return of Joe Flacco, noting that the Bengals must maintain a certain amount of cap flexibility should the veteran signal-caller decide Cincinnati is his best fit. Goodberry emphasizes that the team is no longer "forced" to spend a high draft pick on a quarterback or overpay for a backup, given the current market.

A major point of discussion is the extension of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Goodberry defends the move, arguing that critics of Brown often overlook the reality of the NFL market. "There wasn't a worthy left tackle in the entire free agency," Goodberry notes, highlighting that finding blindside protectors is a draft-and-develop game. By locking down Brown, the Bengals have secured stability at a premium position, even if the "perfect" prospect remains elusive.

While most Mock Drafts have the Bengals taking one or two players, could the Bengals look to trade up or down in the first or second rounds? Will they go all in on defense in the first three rounds, or will a tight end sneak into their desires in the second or third rounds?

Joe Goodberry concludes Episode 243 by encouraging fans to look beyond the surface level of "needs" and evaluate prospects based on their long-term impact. Whether it’s finding a future center like Jake Slaughter or a "hammer" at running back like Jonah Coleman in later rounds, the goal remains the same: building a sustainable contender.

As the draft approaches, Goodberry promises more film reviews and deeper dives into the prospects that could define the next era of Bengals football. Stay tuned to Bengals On The Brain for the most in-depth analysis of Cincinnati's path to the Super Bowl.

#nfldraft #nfldraft2026 #bengals #cincinnatibengals #bengalsdraft #joegoodberry

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Welcome back to Bengals On The Brain, presented by First Star Logistics. Joe Goodberry is back with Episode 242. As the dust settles on the initial wave of NFL free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals’ activity has started to wind down. While they haven't been the most aggressive team on the market, they have made three key outside signings that deserve a deep dive. We've already looked at edge rusher Boya Mafe and safety Brian Cook, and now our focus for today’s episode is veteran interior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

If you missed the film reviews on Mafe or Cook, be sure to head back and check those out. Today, however, we are breaking down a player at a position of desperate need for the Bengals. Jonathan Allen brings a wealth of experience and a specific skill set to the interior of the defensive line. While I believe he has started to show his age—likely due to playing an unsustainable number of snaps during his tenure in Washington—and his run defense has taken a step back over the last two seasons, he still provides a high-level interior pass rush. By potentially reducing his snap count in Cincinnati, the Bengals hope to maximize his effectiveness on third downs and obvious passing situations.

Does the signing of Jonathan Allen change the Bengals' draft strategy? Not necessarily. While it alleviates the immediate pressure to "force" a pick, the long-term needs at Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, and Safety remain.

The Bengals lost Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson, only adding Boya Mafe to the rotation. They still need another edge rusher who can rotate in and produce. On the interior, Allen is likely a short-term solution, meaning a high-upside DT in the draft is still a smart play. Even with Cook's addition, if a talent like Caleb Downs is available, you have to consider it with the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Bengals On The Brain, presented by First Star Logistics. If you enjoyed the breakdown, make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment about what you feel Allen and the other free agents bring to the Bengals defense.

#bengals #cincinnatibengals #cincinnatibengalsnews #nfl

Welcome back to another episode of Bengals On The Brain, presented by First Star Logistics! Join Joe Goodberry as he dives deep into one of the Cincinnati Bengals' latest free-agent additions: defensive end Boye Mafe.

After signing safety Bryan Cook, the Bengals followed it up by adding linebacker / defensive end Boye Mafe from the Seattle Seahawks. Mafe comes to Cincinnati after a two-sack season, but as Joe explains, the box score doesn’t tell the whole story.

In this episode, we break down why Mafe is an "analytics and film darling" who reminds Joe of former Bengals standout Carl Lawson. We look at his high-pressure rates, his explosive athleticism off the edge, and his elite-level run defense that could provide a massive upgrade to the Bengals' defensive front.

If you enjoyed this film breakdown, make sure to LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more Bengals' news and analysis throughout the offseason!

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Welcome to First Star Media Group, presented by First Star Logistics.

Who is the new Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen?

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move in NFL free agency, signing former first-round draft pick Jonathan Allen. This addition is set to bolster their defense, showcasing the team's commitment to making strategic NFL trades to improve their roster. Stay tuned for more football and sports news as we continue counting down to the NFL Draft and what the Bengals will do with the 10th pick in the first round.

#bengalsfans #bengalsfreeagency #cincinnatibengals #nflfreeagency

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