In The Trenches with Dave Lapham

NFL Analyst Chris Simms Breaks Down 2025 NFL Draft Prospects & Bengals Strategy

Former NFL Quarterback and current top analyst Chris Simms joins Dave Lapham on In The Trenches! Get Chris's sharp insights on the Bengals' offseason, the 2025 NFL Draft class, quarterback play, and the state of the league.
 
His perspective on the Cincinnati Bengals' free agency moves and retaining key players.
 
Analysis of the upcoming NFL Draft, including position group strengths and potential value picks.
 
Thoughts on specific draft prospects and how they might fit with NFL teams.
 
His evaluation process for college players transitioning to the pros.
 
The pressure and expectations on teams and star players like Joe Burrow.
 
We want to thank Chris 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.

EXCLUSIVE: Bengals Legend Cris Collinsworth | Draft Insights & Deep Dive on Bengals Offseason

Cincinnati Bengals legend, 17-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, and Pro Football Focus majority owner Cris Collinsworth joins Dave Lapham In The Trenches! Get unparalleled insights from one of the most iconic figures in football, covering his playing days, broadcasting success, and analysis of the current NFL landscape.
 
Thoughts on the Bengals' approach to free agency and retaining key players.
 
Analysis of the upcoming NFL Draft and potential Bengals strategies.
 
How the NFL game has changed over the decades.
 
What should be the Bengals Draft Strategy?
 
We want to thank Cris 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 Analyst Solomon Wilcots | Breaks Down Bengals Offseason & 2025 Draft Prospects

Former Cincinnati Bengals standout safety and current top NFL Analyst Solomon Wilcots joins Dave Lapham In The Trenches! Get Solomon's expert perspective on the Bengals' offseason moves, the upcoming NFL Draft, leadership, his playing days, and his successful broadcasting career.
 
His take on the Bengals retaining core players like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
 
Analysis of the Bengals' free agent signings (Gesicki, Slaton, Patrick, Perine, etc.).
 
Deep dive into the 2025 NFL Draft class, including strengths and weaknesses (O-Line, D-Line, Running Backs).
 
The importance of team chemistry, culture, and leadership in the NFL.
 
We want to thank Soloman 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 Director of Pro Personnel Steven Radicevic - Inside Draft Prep & Free Agency Strategy

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.

NFL Legend Phil Simms | NFL Draft Deep Dive, Bengals Needs & Player Analysis | Part 2

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.
 

Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms | NFL Draft Insights, QB Analysis & Bengals Offseason Review | Part 1

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 & Captain Ted Karras | Leading the Bengals O-Line and Playing with Burrow & Brady

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.
 

Bengals WR Andrei Iosivas EXCLUSIVE: Physicality, Development & Showtime Offense

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.

Bengals OC Dan Pitcher EXCLUSIVE: Inside Look at Burrow, Chase/Higgins & 2024 Offense

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.

Fixing the Trenches: Bengals' 2025 Draft Strategy for Offensive & Defensive Dominance

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!

Inside The Bengals: Part Two Mike Potts & Dave Lapham

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.

PART ONE: NFL Draft & Free Agency Deep Dive: Bengals' Mike Potts Explains the Process

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Cincinnati Bengals' roster-building strategy with Mike Potts, a key Bengals' personnel and scouting department member. In this insightful interview, Mike pulls back the curtain on the chaotic yet crucial off-season processes that shape the future of an NFL franchise.
The off-season in the National Football League is a whirlwind of activity, and Mike Potts navigates through it all. His area of focus is college scouting, a vital ingredient in the modern NFL, where roster turnover is constant. No roster is the same from one year to the next, and the draft and college free agency are often the lifeblood of franchises looking to rebuild or maintain their competitive edge.
Mike begins by vividly describing the current landscape, describing it as a "crazy time of the year" due to the simultaneous whirlwind of free agency, the NFL Combine, and the looming draft. He emphasizes that maintaining a consistent dialogue between the personnel staff, coaching staff, and ownership is crucial for aligning player evaluations and setting clear team goals.
He dives into the Bengals' free agency strategy, highlighting the team's priority of re-signing their own players. He underlines the importance of understanding "scheme fit" and "culture fit," ensuring players align with the Bengals' values and locker room dynamics. While acknowledging the large sums of money thrown around in free agency, he stresses the importance of cap management. The Bengals are known for remaining responsible with their cap, and he discusses how the team balances retaining key players with adding talent from other organizations.
The interview transitions into discussing the "secondary market" of free agency and finding opportunities beyond the initial bidding frenzy. Mike acknowledges that some players overshot the market, and being patient for the price to come down can present an opportunity.
Samaje Perine is discussed, as is his importance to the Bengals organization. Sam Hubbard's departure from the team after an impressive career is also discussed.
The discussion moves to the college draft, a central theme of Mike Potts' expertise. He emphasizes the value of players with positional versatility, as NFL rosters are limited in size, and players who can contribute in multiple roles are particularly valuable. He highlights BJ Hill, Mike Gesicki, and Cody Ford as players who can perform at numerous positions.
Potts explains why his team is so important to him and the direction of the team. According to him, the team's job is to scout each player and understand everything from their college careers to more personal details.
Transitioning to the upcoming NFL Draft, Potts assesses the overall depth and quality of the available talent. He explains that there may not be any first-ballot hall of farmers, but there is still a good amount of depth at various positions.
As the interview wraps up, Potts emphasizes the ongoing nature of roster evaluation and improvement. He notes that the Bengals will continue to monitor the free-agent market, assess draft prospects, and identify players who can contribute to the team's success.
In The Trenches with Dave Lapham is presented by First Star Logistics. Be sure to join Lap and Joe Goodberry for the 3rd Annual First Star Logistics Bengals Draft Party on Friday, April 25th, at 7:00 pm. You can watch the livestream exclusively on the First Star Media Group YouTube Channel.