Best James Rapien Podcasts (2025)

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Andrei Iosivas is being OVERLOOKED | Tee Higgins says Yoshi is primed for a big year 3 29:11

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1d ago29:11

29:11

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. Plus, we dive into the bi…

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Breaking down the Jermaine Burton HYPE TRAIN + Bengals Ring Of Honor changes we hope to see 31:22

3d ago31:22

31:22

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 Rin…

1
"How the sausage is made" is UGLY for Bengals negotiations playing out publicly 31:44

6d ago31:44

31:44

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 ar…

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Development and Consistency Key to Bengals Bounce Back on Defense 35:57

7d ago35:57

35:57

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 wil…

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How Bengals' powerhouse offense can get EVEN BETTER in 2025 37:31

8d ago37:31

37:31

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 …

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Did the Cincinnati Bengals ACTUALLY get better at key positions in 2025? 33:49

9d ago33:49

33:49

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 u…

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Why are the Bengals so DRAMATIC?! | Shemar Stewart's contract dispute details emerge 29:34

10d ago29:34

29:34

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 c…

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Dylan Fairchild headlines most intriguing 2025 Cincinnati Bengals roster battle 32:26

13d ago32:26

32:26

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 his…

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Bengals renegotiate Cordell Volson's contract | Does that solidify their OL roster for 2025? 29:11

14d ago29:11

29:11

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 al…

1
Joe Burrow's offseason presser takeaways: Preseason playing time, Shemar Stewart still not practicing, and support for Trey Hendrickson 31:23

15d ago31:23

31:23

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…

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Can Montravius Adams solve the Bengals need for DT Depth? 31:58

16d ago31:58

31:58

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 w…

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Trey Hendrickson's Leverage PROBLEM | Bengals hold the cards in contract stand-off 29:52

17d ago29:52

29:52

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. But Hendrickson really lacks for true leverage, a…

1
Shemar Stewart is missing valuable reps | Bengals still working on first round pick's contract 31:50

20d ago31:50

31:50

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 …

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Did Bengals get HOSED by schedule-makers? | 2025 NFL Schedule Release Reaction 31:33

21d ago31:33

31:33

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. Recurring themes include the importance of a strong start, along with the TNF game in B…

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Trey Hendrickson is MAD | Cincinnati Bengals' star edge rusher takes his grievances public at offseason practice 33:35

23d ago33:35

33:35

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. Join …

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Contract DRAMA rules Bengals' offseason | Another Hendrickson statement, and what's up with Shemar Stewart negotiations? 33:18

23d ago33:18

33:18

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…

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Is it weird that the Bengals do a one-day rookie camp? Plus, Seth McLaughlin heads up the UDFA class 35:15

24d ago35:15

35:15

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, ce…

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NFL SQUAD: Way Too Early 2025 NFL Power Rankings 33:58

27d ago33:58

33:58

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. The Philadelphia Eagles come in at #1, but do the Kansas City Chiefs go to #2 after losing the Super Bowl? Our panel reacts to the Top 10, Bottom 10, and which teams in the middle of the pack c…

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Will Cincinnati Bengals put the finishing touches on the roster before training camp? 33:02

27d ago33:02

33:02

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…

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Brandon Thorn Breaks Down Bengals' 2025 OL | Additions, Amarius Mims' Progress, Scott Peters Impact 34:18

28d ago34:18

34:18

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…

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Geno Stone's Pay Cut SPARKS Questions | Will Bengals Use the Extra Cash Wisely? 30:49

29d ago30:49

30:49

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…

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BUYING Shemar Stewart Stock: Why There's Major BELIEF in Bengals First Round Pick 32:11

30d ago32:11

32:11

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. Jake Liscow asks Justis about Stewart's traits and a development plan, and then …

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INSIGHT: Mike Renner's take on Bengals' Draft | Upside swings, but what about value? 36:25

1M ago36:25

36:25

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. While Renner liked the Bengal…

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NFL SQUAD: Shedeur Sanders MASSIVE SLIDE Dominates NFL Draft 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

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? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fi…

1
Mike Potts breaks down the Bengals' Draft | Part 2: Double Dips & Upside On Days 2 and 3 25:34

1M ago25:34

25:34

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, Deme…

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Mike Potts breaks down the Bengals' Draft | Part 1: Shemar Stewart & Draft-Day Trades 26:53

1M ago26:53

26:53

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. This episode explores the Bengals' process that…

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Bengals pick up Dax Hill's 5th-year option | How CB and other roster battle stories are taking shape after the draft 32:46

1M ago32:46

32:46

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…

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Cincinnati Bengals Draft Grades | Early Risks vs. Strong Day 3 in 2025 NFL Draft 35:50

1M ago35:50

35:50

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. A bit of a paradoxical draft with clear potential for starters a…

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DOUBLE DIPS! Bengals add depth at LB, OL, RB to round out high-character draft class 34:15

1M ago34:15

34:15

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…

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Bengals add potential starters in Demetrius Knight Jr. and Dylan Fairchild | Is their approach flawed? 34:06

1M ago34:06

34:06

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 …

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GAMBLE: Bengals Go HIGH-RISK, High-Reward | Will Shamar Stewart Boom or Bust? 33:35

1M ago33:35

33:35

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 s…

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Draftmas Eve's annual tradition! PREDICTING all 6 Bengals 2025 Draft Picks 37:34

1M ago37:34

37:34

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 g…

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MAJOR progress on Bengals stadium deal, AND dissecting Duke's "We Have Starters" claim ahead of 2025 Draft 32:44

1M ago32:44

32:44

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! Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Comm…

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TOBIN TALKS | Bengals de-facto GM drops hints to Bengals' plans in pre-draft presser 32:35

1M ago32:35

32:35

Duke Tobin's annual pre-draft presser always includes bits of insight when you can read between the lines. And 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 …

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TWO GUARDS?! | Draft Week Is Here! 2025's Final Mock Draft Monday 37:50

1M ago37:50

37:50

But what about second breakfast? 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? Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Commu…

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Draft Adventure! | Which 3 round mock helps the Cincinnati Bengals most? 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

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 t…

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NFL SQUAD: Three QBs In Round 1 | OROY/DROY From 2025 NFL Mock Draft? 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

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? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is als…

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NFL Mock Draft: Bengals, Seahawks, Bucs, Broncos, Steelers and Chargers are on the clock! 43:00

2M ago43:00

43:00

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 …

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REFINING THE BOARD | Identifying the best prospects for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1st Round 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

The ideal candidates for the Cincinnati Bengals' first round pick are clear. Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry discuss why certain guys should not be considered at 17, and why Kelvin Banks Jr, Walter Nolen, Derrick Harmon, Nick Emmanwori, and Malaki Starks are leading the charge. Plus, the guys discuss Mike Green and Jihaad Campbell, who would be on th…

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2025 Draft Board | What "The Sheet" says the Cincinnati Bengals should do in the 2025 NFL Draft to address their needs 35:13

2M ago35:13

35:13

The NFL draft is a crapshoot, but every year we put together a spreadsheet to identify the best prospects by marrying film with analytics. 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 for the Bengals at guard, defensive line,…

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Staying Open Early | Bengals' pre-draft visits preparing for a multitude of possibilities, specifically in the trenches 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

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. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how the latest visits fit in with their trends that continue to suggest the…

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MOCK DRAFT | Fixing the Bengals with 4 rounds of early contributors 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

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. Jake Liscow and James Rapien talk through the options into the beginning of day 3, landing two potential day-1 starters, and players who should slot right in fo…

1
Bengals Showing Interest in Day 2 Running Backs | Could They Prioritize RB Over Other Needs? 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

The Cincinnati Bengals are doing their due diligence on round 2 running backs with in-person visits ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how serious the interest is after in-person visits with Kaleb Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson, while the Bengals have plenty of competing needs for their 2nd round…

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Bengals' roster holes could FORCE their hand in 2025 NFL draft | How Cincinnati could be forced to draft for need 33:44

2M ago33:44

33:44

The Cincinnati Bengals are going to have a tough time doing EVERYTHING in the 2025 NFL draft. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how the Bengals are juggling needs for a starting guard, linebacker, and upgrades on the defensive line in the draft. That doesn't even mention an opportunity to upgrade positions like tight end and running back that…

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Pearce and Savaiinaea visits confirm Bengals' interest in juicing up the pass rush and adding a guard early in the draft 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

As the Cincinnati Bengals' official pre-draft visits are reported, we're getting more and more clues about how they're approaching the 2025 NFL Draft. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down what we've learned from pre-draft visits for James Pearce Jr. and Jonah Savaiinaea - that the Bengals are almost certainly drafting a guard before day 3, and a…

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SERIOUS interest in Walter Nolen | Pre-draft visit could suggest Bengals honing in on defensive tackle 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Can the Cincinnati Bengals bolster their defensive line with Ole Miss standout Walter Nolen? With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the Bengals are eyeing defensive tackle prospects with their pre-draft visits, including Nolen. On top of Nolen and the DTs, the Bengals have also had reported contact with Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins and…

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MOCK: Bengals' Draft Strategy Explored | Balancing Protection and Defense 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

What if the Cincinnati Bengals are prioritizing their needs a little bit differently than you think? With a glaring need for a guard, linebacker to replace Germaine Pratt, and a desire to challenge Geno Stone at safety, how might that impact the Bengals' early picks? Hosts Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the possibilities, discussing an alte…

1
Bengals' Stadium Future Hanging in the Balance With Deadline Looming 32:11

2M ago32:11

32:11

There's a certain irony to Katie Blackburn lamenting the slow progress between Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Bengals on Paycor Stadium's lease extension. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into what the Bengals' executive vice president had to say about the state of negotiations between the county and the team with June 30's lease extension dea…

1
NFL SQUAD: Tush Push DEBATE Leads NFL Annual Meeting 34:40

2M ago34:40

34:40

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew discusses the Tush Push debate at the NFL Annual Meeting, which NFL teams improved their stock the most this offseason, and their bold predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first pu…

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FRUSTRATION: Trey Hendrickson CONFRONTS Bengals Management | Who Will BLINK First in Contract standoff? 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

Is Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals heading towards a showdown? As the Bengals navigate this critical negotiation, the stakes couldn't be higher. This episode unpacks Hendrickson's candid interview on the Pat McAfee Show, where he voiced his frustrations and aspirations for a long-term deal. James Rapien and Jake Lisc…