1 00:00:03,720 --> 00:00:06,600 Speaker 1: Hi, get everybody. I'm Dan Horde and thanks for downloading 2 00:00:06,600 --> 00:00:10,400 Speaker 1: the Bengals Booth podcast. The Who Stays and Who Goes? 3 00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:13,880 Speaker 1: Edition coming up, My broadcast partner Dave Lapham joins me 4 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:17,959 Speaker 1: to discuss free agency, or specifically, on this edition of 5 00:00:17,960 --> 00:00:23,079 Speaker 1: the podcast, the Bengals internal free agents, guys whose contracts 6 00:00:23,079 --> 00:00:26,880 Speaker 1: are up, like Darquez, Denard, Tyler Eifert, C. J Uzama, 7 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:30,240 Speaker 1: and others. Will discuss the players that we think are 8 00:00:30,240 --> 00:00:34,960 Speaker 1: the most likely and least likely to return. Plus we'll 9 00:00:34,960 --> 00:00:38,000 Speaker 1: also discuss some key players going into the final year 10 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:41,320 Speaker 1: of their contracts and the likelihood that the Bengals signed 11 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:45,000 Speaker 1: them to extensions before the start of the season, most 12 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:48,800 Speaker 1: notably A. J. Greene and Tyler Boyd. And in this 13 00:00:48,840 --> 00:00:51,599 Speaker 1: week's fun Facts interview, you'll get to know the Bengals 14 00:00:51,640 --> 00:00:55,680 Speaker 1: Director of Player Personnel, Duke Tobin. Among other things, we'll 15 00:00:55,720 --> 00:00:59,440 Speaker 1: look back at his memories of hanging around his dad's 16 00:00:59,440 --> 00:01:04,200 Speaker 1: super old champion Chicago Bears, and we'll discuss Duke's career 17 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:08,080 Speaker 1: as a college and arena league quarterback. All of that 18 00:01:08,200 --> 00:01:10,679 Speaker 1: is straight ahead, but first, here's a quick reminder that 19 00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:13,959 Speaker 1: you can have the latest edition of this podcast delivered 20 00:01:14,280 --> 00:01:19,240 Speaker 1: right to your phone, tablet, or computer by subscribing on iTunes, Stitcher, 21 00:01:19,600 --> 00:01:23,800 Speaker 1: Google Play, or pod Bean. It's the greatest invention since 22 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:29,840 Speaker 1: the little indicator on the dashboard that shows what side 23 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:33,279 Speaker 1: of the car the gas tank is on. I rent 24 00:01:33,319 --> 00:01:35,759 Speaker 1: cars on my travels quite a bit, and I always 25 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:38,040 Speaker 1: try to save a few bucks by refilling the tank 26 00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:41,360 Speaker 1: before returning the car. It used to be a pain 27 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:43,640 Speaker 1: in the butt to pull up to the pump, get 28 00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:46,639 Speaker 1: out of the car, only to discover that the tank 29 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:50,040 Speaker 1: was on the opposite side. Now you look at that 30 00:01:50,120 --> 00:01:54,080 Speaker 1: little indicator and always pull up on the proper side. 31 00:01:54,400 --> 00:01:59,680 Speaker 1: A simple but brilliant innovation. Time to talk football. The 32 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:02,800 Speaker 1: Bank Goals announced on Friday that they have extended tender 33 00:02:02,840 --> 00:02:07,560 Speaker 1: offers to five players whose contracts expire next Wednesday, when 34 00:02:07,680 --> 00:02:12,000 Speaker 1: NFL free agency begins. The most interesting move involved offensive 35 00:02:12,040 --> 00:02:15,800 Speaker 1: lineman Trey Hopkins, who received a second round tender and 36 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:19,640 Speaker 1: thus becomes a restricted free agent. That means that Hopkins 37 00:02:19,639 --> 00:02:23,280 Speaker 1: can negotiate with other teams, but the Bengals have the 38 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:26,760 Speaker 1: right to match any offer he receives. If they elect 39 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:29,720 Speaker 1: not to match the offer, the Bengals get a second 40 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:32,720 Speaker 1: round pick in this year's draft from the team that 41 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,839 Speaker 1: signs him. If trade does not agree to a deal 42 00:02:35,880 --> 00:02:39,119 Speaker 1: with another team, he's guaranteed a big race from the Bengals. 43 00:02:39,560 --> 00:02:42,880 Speaker 1: Second round tenders get good money, a one year deal 44 00:02:42,919 --> 00:02:46,760 Speaker 1: for three point one one million in Hopkins case, unless 45 00:02:46,760 --> 00:02:50,760 Speaker 1: he agrees to a longer deal. The Bengals also issued 46 00:02:50,800 --> 00:02:55,639 Speaker 1: tenders to cornerback Tony McCray, guard Alex Redmond, defensive tackle 47 00:02:55,760 --> 00:02:59,600 Speaker 1: Josh Tupo, and safety Brandon Wilson. That means the Bengals 48 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:03,880 Speaker 1: retain their exclusive rights for the upcoming season. Now time 49 00:03:03,919 --> 00:03:07,320 Speaker 1: to bring him. My broadcast partner Dave lapham Lap. The 50 00:03:07,320 --> 00:03:10,240 Speaker 1: topic for this podcast his free agents. They specifically the 51 00:03:10,320 --> 00:03:14,760 Speaker 1: Bengals own free agents. Guys that their contracts run out, 52 00:03:14,919 --> 00:03:17,000 Speaker 1: they become free agents, well, the Bengals try to bring 53 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:20,120 Speaker 1: them back. In some cases, you've got restricted free agents, 54 00:03:20,120 --> 00:03:23,040 Speaker 1: and then you've got guys that aren't free agents this year, 55 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:25,839 Speaker 1: but it's coming and they may try to extend them 56 00:03:25,880 --> 00:03:28,000 Speaker 1: now before they reach that point. So let's start with 57 00:03:28,040 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 1: the guys that are unrestricted free agents, beginning with Darkques Denard. 58 00:03:32,880 --> 00:03:35,800 Speaker 1: His contract ran out last year. They gave him his 59 00:03:36,440 --> 00:03:38,800 Speaker 1: fifth year option as a first round draft pick made 60 00:03:38,840 --> 00:03:41,400 Speaker 1: a lot of money last year, eight point five million bucks. 61 00:03:41,800 --> 00:03:44,160 Speaker 1: What do you think how likely is it that he 62 00:03:44,320 --> 00:03:47,200 Speaker 1: is retained. I think there's a good chance they retained 63 00:03:47,280 --> 00:03:50,040 Speaker 1: Darkues Denard. I think a lot of people thought that 64 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:54,400 Speaker 1: he may get extended, but it didn't happen. I do 65 00:03:54,520 --> 00:03:57,120 Speaker 1: think you know a guy that can play slot in 66 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,640 Speaker 1: outside like he's shown, he's very good inside. He's an 67 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:03,040 Speaker 1: excellent tackler coming out of Michigan State with Mark D'Antonio, 68 00:04:03,120 --> 00:04:04,720 Speaker 1: the guy that we know a lot about. I mean, 69 00:04:04,760 --> 00:04:08,560 Speaker 1: he's he's unbelievable. He doesn't mismit very many tackles at all. 70 00:04:09,280 --> 00:04:11,720 Speaker 1: But the primary thing for the guy in the back 71 00:04:11,840 --> 00:04:14,400 Speaker 1: end has to do is cover people, and he's shown 72 00:04:14,400 --> 00:04:16,240 Speaker 1: that he can. He can do it on the inside 73 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:18,600 Speaker 1: and the outside. And I think he's a good locker 74 00:04:18,640 --> 00:04:21,640 Speaker 1: room influence. And there's a lot of reasons to sign 75 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:25,240 Speaker 1: dark Ques Denard, but sometimes you know it just doesn't fit. 76 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:29,159 Speaker 1: The player wants more than than is budgeted, and you 77 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,920 Speaker 1: feel like you'd better spend better off to spend your 78 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:34,440 Speaker 1: money elsewhere, and those decisions are going to be made. 79 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:37,520 Speaker 1: But my mind, Darkus Denard is a guy that I 80 00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:40,960 Speaker 1: would consider, you know, signing to a new contract for sure. 81 00:04:41,200 --> 00:04:43,479 Speaker 1: I would imagine he is going to get close to 82 00:04:43,520 --> 00:04:46,800 Speaker 1: the top of the scale for a slot corner, which 83 00:04:46,920 --> 00:04:49,479 Speaker 1: isn't the kind of money that the outside guys make. 84 00:04:49,560 --> 00:04:52,000 Speaker 1: And to me, that probably makes it a little easier 85 00:04:52,040 --> 00:04:53,960 Speaker 1: to bring him back. I think it does, and I 86 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:57,960 Speaker 1: think too worst case scenario, a guy like darkus Denard 87 00:04:58,320 --> 00:05:01,560 Speaker 1: I think could kick inside to safety, you know, because 88 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:04,360 Speaker 1: he tackles so well and he's physical that way. I mean, 89 00:05:04,360 --> 00:05:07,080 Speaker 1: he'd be a very good cover guy at the safety position. Now, 90 00:05:07,080 --> 00:05:09,640 Speaker 1: you don't pay safeties like you pay cover corners like 91 00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:12,320 Speaker 1: you're talking about, and if you can place a lot corner, 92 00:05:12,440 --> 00:05:14,760 Speaker 1: no reason to kick him inside to safety. But if 93 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:19,039 Speaker 1: you sign him to a long term deal and toward 94 00:05:19,080 --> 00:05:21,040 Speaker 1: the end of it, if it's like you know what, jeez, 95 00:05:21,080 --> 00:05:23,120 Speaker 1: maybe he's going to have to go inside. That's happened 96 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:25,480 Speaker 1: many times in the NFL. You don't find in the NFL. 97 00:05:25,520 --> 00:05:27,960 Speaker 1: You don't find guys going the other way. You don't 98 00:05:27,960 --> 00:05:30,599 Speaker 1: find him going safety getting kicked outside the corner. But 99 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:33,440 Speaker 1: toward the end you do find them periodically going from 100 00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:36,320 Speaker 1: corner inside to the safety position. But it all depends 101 00:05:36,360 --> 00:05:38,440 Speaker 1: how well you know stocked you are at safety. But 102 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:41,040 Speaker 1: I do think that dark Oise Denard gives you a 103 00:05:41,080 --> 00:05:44,040 Speaker 1: lot of position versatility and a lot of football IQ 104 00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:48,080 Speaker 1: and you know, a very tough, physical football player. The 105 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:51,000 Speaker 1: Bengals top three tight ends on the depth chart when 106 00:05:51,040 --> 00:05:54,360 Speaker 1: healthy are all unrestricted free agents this year. Let's start 107 00:05:54,360 --> 00:05:56,560 Speaker 1: with Tyler Eiferd. He came back last year on a 108 00:05:56,600 --> 00:05:59,840 Speaker 1: heavily incentivized deal based on how healthy he could stay. 109 00:06:00,360 --> 00:06:03,080 Speaker 1: Unfortunately for Tyler and the Bengals, he was not able 110 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:05,960 Speaker 1: to stay healthy. I guess he wound up making about 111 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:08,120 Speaker 1: five and a half million. He could have made eight 112 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:10,920 Speaker 1: and a half million. Does he come back to Cincinnati 113 00:06:10,960 --> 00:06:12,880 Speaker 1: on a similar deal or does he go elsewhere in 114 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:16,200 Speaker 1: a similar deal? Why? I mean, I think I think 115 00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:18,560 Speaker 1: it's almost going to be like hit the redo. You know, 116 00:06:18,920 --> 00:06:22,120 Speaker 1: like when you're playing in your backyard and you can't 117 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:24,600 Speaker 1: decide which play which way of the place should have 118 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:27,320 Speaker 1: gone to a duover. You know, it might be a 119 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:30,200 Speaker 1: duover with the exact same structure, and I think his 120 00:06:30,279 --> 00:06:32,800 Speaker 1: mindset would be the exact same. You know, there might 121 00:06:32,839 --> 00:06:34,839 Speaker 1: be there were other teams that were interested in Tyler 122 00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:38,000 Speaker 1: Eifford out there, and I mean he felt a sense 123 00:06:38,040 --> 00:06:40,719 Speaker 1: of obligation to stay with the Bengals because you know, 124 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:43,080 Speaker 1: they've been so good to him through all of these 125 00:06:43,120 --> 00:06:48,400 Speaker 1: injury issues and rehabilitations, and so I could almost see 126 00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:50,800 Speaker 1: the exact same thing, bring him back again for a 127 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:54,800 Speaker 1: one year deal, highly incentivized and because man, we know 128 00:06:54,920 --> 00:06:58,200 Speaker 1: Dan when he's out there, it's different. It is totally different. 129 00:06:58,240 --> 00:07:02,440 Speaker 1: Every snap he took last year, they never played based defense. 130 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:05,800 Speaker 1: One time they were nickels. So you know, I mean, 131 00:07:05,839 --> 00:07:09,440 Speaker 1: the Bengals offensive coaches knew when Tyler vats on the field, 132 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:12,440 Speaker 1: they knew exactly what they were facing. And he still 133 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:16,400 Speaker 1: gets favorable mismatches. He gets matchups that are you know, 134 00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:20,200 Speaker 1: positive for him. So he's he's different. I mean, his 135 00:07:20,280 --> 00:07:23,200 Speaker 1: injury I think was the first of the dominoes that 136 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:27,440 Speaker 1: that started a fall and really disassembled that offense. I mean, 137 00:07:27,480 --> 00:07:29,680 Speaker 1: it was a shell of itself as a season unfolded. 138 00:07:29,720 --> 00:07:33,280 Speaker 1: I think he was the he was the lead domino. CJ. 139 00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:36,120 Speaker 1: Zama wound up being their top tight end last year, 140 00:07:36,160 --> 00:07:38,360 Speaker 1: career high forty three catches for four hundred and thirty 141 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:41,880 Speaker 1: nine yards. He also played special teams. It's a late pick. 142 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:43,400 Speaker 1: So he has not made a lot of money, and 143 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:45,000 Speaker 1: this to this point of his career two and a 144 00:07:45,040 --> 00:07:47,560 Speaker 1: half million dollars over four years. He's got a chance 145 00:07:47,560 --> 00:07:50,520 Speaker 1: to get paid he does. And and the other thing 146 00:07:50,560 --> 00:07:53,440 Speaker 1: that he did as as a former player, he played hurt. 147 00:07:53,720 --> 00:07:56,760 Speaker 1: I mean at shoulder was not good and he played 148 00:07:57,080 --> 00:08:00,360 Speaker 1: all but probably twelve of the sixteen games he played 149 00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:03,920 Speaker 1: in pain. He played, uh, you know, sacrifice him for 150 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:06,920 Speaker 1: the better of his teammates. So I think I think 151 00:08:06,960 --> 00:08:08,920 Speaker 1: everybody in the locker room looked at him, and a 152 00:08:08,960 --> 00:08:11,440 Speaker 1: lot of guys told both of us during the course 153 00:08:11,480 --> 00:08:14,160 Speaker 1: of your Man that dude's he's a battler man, that 154 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:16,800 Speaker 1: that's one tough guy. I mean, he's sucking it up. 155 00:08:16,840 --> 00:08:20,040 Speaker 1: He's doing this, you're doing it. So I think he 156 00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:23,880 Speaker 1: really got a long line of admirers based on the 157 00:08:23,880 --> 00:08:26,120 Speaker 1: way he performed and how he had to perform him, 158 00:08:26,400 --> 00:08:28,400 Speaker 1: you know, with respect to not being one hundred percent 159 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:30,800 Speaker 1: physically for a good part of it, and still put 160 00:08:30,880 --> 00:08:33,000 Speaker 1: up the numbers he put up. So I think he's 161 00:08:33,040 --> 00:08:35,240 Speaker 1: going to get paid. I agree with you. Then there's 162 00:08:35,280 --> 00:08:38,080 Speaker 1: Tyler Croft, third round draft picked two years ago. He 163 00:08:38,160 --> 00:08:40,320 Speaker 1: was really good as a red zone weapon. This past year, 164 00:08:40,320 --> 00:08:42,200 Speaker 1: he only played in five games because because of a 165 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:44,880 Speaker 1: foot injury. I don't know if he can bring them 166 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:48,000 Speaker 1: all back. Is he the odd man out? If if 167 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:51,920 Speaker 1: C j Uzama signs and maybe Eyford decides to return. 168 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:56,280 Speaker 1: I know the thing is that you're you're always because 169 00:08:56,280 --> 00:09:00,120 Speaker 1: of the Tyler Eifford injury question. You're always like, how 170 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:01,800 Speaker 1: many do I need? Do I need another one? As 171 00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:04,880 Speaker 1: an insurance policy? But how much money can you spend 172 00:09:04,880 --> 00:09:07,800 Speaker 1: at the tight end position? Um? You know, you can't 173 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:09,840 Speaker 1: pay all of them like their Pro bowlers, you know. 174 00:09:09,920 --> 00:09:12,079 Speaker 1: So it's it's gonna be it's gonna be interesting. They're 175 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:15,520 Speaker 1: gonna have to make make some decisions there. But it 176 00:09:15,600 --> 00:09:19,520 Speaker 1: is incredible that uh, that that that that room. You know, 177 00:09:19,520 --> 00:09:22,360 Speaker 1: it's like somebody, you know, some terrorists dropped a bomb 178 00:09:22,440 --> 00:09:25,640 Speaker 1: in that room. I mean they're all beaten up and 179 00:09:25,840 --> 00:09:28,960 Speaker 1: um and Uzami. You know, even though he played, he 180 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:32,280 Speaker 1: was another one. They didn't have very many healthy bodies 181 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:35,040 Speaker 1: uh to deal with at that position group, which is 182 00:09:35,080 --> 00:09:38,480 Speaker 1: a very very key position in today's NFL, particularly in 183 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:42,040 Speaker 1: this offense that Zach wants to install. Tight End's big 184 00:09:42,200 --> 00:09:44,920 Speaker 1: tight end is a big factor so you have to have, 185 00:09:45,200 --> 00:09:49,000 Speaker 1: you know, multiple guys that can perform um a lot 186 00:09:49,040 --> 00:09:52,560 Speaker 1: of variation in their physical abilities, you know, and doing 187 00:09:52,640 --> 00:09:55,320 Speaker 1: different things. So it is a very very key position 188 00:09:55,360 --> 00:09:59,319 Speaker 1: for this offense. Preston Brown came to town last year 189 00:09:59,360 --> 00:10:01,440 Speaker 1: on a one year, four million dollar deal, wound up 190 00:10:01,440 --> 00:10:05,200 Speaker 1: playing seven games, played okay, considering he had a bad ankle. 191 00:10:05,520 --> 00:10:07,560 Speaker 1: What do you think is Preston Brown come back? Yeah, 192 00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:10,320 Speaker 1: that's a that's a great question. That's going to be um. 193 00:10:10,360 --> 00:10:13,400 Speaker 1: You know, obviously the linebacker position was a was a 194 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:18,200 Speaker 1: real disappointment last year. It's it's almost like Murphy's law. 195 00:10:18,520 --> 00:10:20,520 Speaker 1: I mean, the guy didn't miss any games in college, 196 00:10:20,559 --> 00:10:23,280 Speaker 1: doesn't miss any games in the NFL, comes to Cincinnati 197 00:10:23,280 --> 00:10:27,320 Speaker 1: and barely plays, misses a bunch of games when he 198 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 1: returns to his hometown. So I mean, yeah, they've they've 199 00:10:31,040 --> 00:10:35,199 Speaker 1: got they've got limited tape. I think to evaluate him 200 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:37,440 Speaker 1: on when he was healthy, he was trying to play 201 00:10:37,480 --> 00:10:40,400 Speaker 1: through it through the injury, and I think it really 202 00:10:40,440 --> 00:10:44,720 Speaker 1: did affect his play. Um. But but he's a he's 203 00:10:44,720 --> 00:10:47,800 Speaker 1: a big body guy that runs pretty well. But you 204 00:10:47,840 --> 00:10:49,960 Speaker 1: know they're going to go in other other directions, other 205 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:53,240 Speaker 1: areas at the linebacker position. His his is a difficult one. 206 00:10:53,280 --> 00:10:55,640 Speaker 1: I think for this uh, for this new coaching staff 207 00:10:55,679 --> 00:10:58,400 Speaker 1: to evaluate, that's going to be an interesting one. Let's 208 00:10:58,440 --> 00:11:01,640 Speaker 1: go to the O line. Bobby Heart started every game 209 00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:06,160 Speaker 1: a right tackle, didn't get particularly rave reviews from Pro 210 00:11:06,240 --> 00:11:09,520 Speaker 1: Football Focus and others. Is he on this roster next year? 211 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:13,319 Speaker 1: I don't think so. You know, I think that I 212 00:11:13,920 --> 00:11:16,840 Speaker 1: do think that that Bobby Hart gave everything he had 213 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:21,120 Speaker 1: to give. Bobby Hart maximize his abilities, and Frank Pollock 214 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:26,280 Speaker 1: helped him maximize his abilities. But I think, but man, 215 00:11:26,320 --> 00:11:27,920 Speaker 1: you have to line somebody up out there at the 216 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:31,360 Speaker 1: tackle position. I mean, how many can you draft that? 217 00:11:31,360 --> 00:11:34,079 Speaker 1: That's one area and free agency that you got to think, Man, 218 00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:38,079 Speaker 1: if there's an and there's never any good ones out there, 219 00:11:38,160 --> 00:11:41,079 Speaker 1: you know, it's always a guy just hanging on at 220 00:11:41,080 --> 00:11:43,079 Speaker 1: the tail end of his career, whatever the case may be, 221 00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:46,080 Speaker 1: that's out there in free agency. I mean, Andrew Worth 222 00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:48,760 Speaker 1: was such a such an anomaly for him to be 223 00:11:48,800 --> 00:11:51,240 Speaker 1: out there for the Rams to jump on, and they did. 224 00:11:51,840 --> 00:11:54,319 Speaker 1: There's no question about it that that doesn't happen very often. 225 00:11:54,320 --> 00:11:57,320 Speaker 1: A Pro Bowl caliber offensive tackle out there in free 226 00:11:57,320 --> 00:12:00,240 Speaker 1: agency that you can gobble up. But man, if they 227 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:02,280 Speaker 1: can find some kind of you know, a guy in 228 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:05,280 Speaker 1: his seventh year, you know, it's still has some years 229 00:12:05,360 --> 00:12:07,840 Speaker 1: left and could be a real leader of the group 230 00:12:07,880 --> 00:12:11,760 Speaker 1: and stabilized, you know, the outside at that tackle position, 231 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:14,320 Speaker 1: because you know, it stands to reason that a way 232 00:12:14,320 --> 00:12:18,200 Speaker 1: here and Fisher probably won't be back. So, you know, 233 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:21,480 Speaker 1: because of that reason, I guess you can't eliminate Bobby Hart, 234 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:24,920 Speaker 1: but I'm sure if they could go in another direction, 235 00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:28,760 Speaker 1: they probably would. There are some restricted free agents. The 236 00:12:28,800 --> 00:12:32,760 Speaker 1: most intriguing name to me, Trey Hopkins, only made half 237 00:12:32,760 --> 00:12:36,240 Speaker 1: a million last year, played well. One called upon to 238 00:12:36,240 --> 00:12:38,480 Speaker 1: fill in its center. He did. You know, I think 239 00:12:38,480 --> 00:12:41,079 Speaker 1: that you know, center might be his best position. It 240 00:12:41,200 --> 00:12:43,920 Speaker 1: really is. With those long arms. We talked about the 241 00:12:43,960 --> 00:12:47,000 Speaker 1: advantage that a long arms center has at nauseum, but 242 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:49,679 Speaker 1: it is it is a point, you know, a simple 243 00:12:49,720 --> 00:12:51,840 Speaker 1: thing is extending the ball out so the defensive guys 244 00:12:51,840 --> 00:12:53,720 Speaker 1: and this should not under your grill and you have 245 00:12:53,720 --> 00:12:56,200 Speaker 1: a little bit of separation there before you know, at 246 00:12:56,200 --> 00:12:59,240 Speaker 1: the line of scrims to snap it. But he's smart, 247 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:05,280 Speaker 1: not incredibly gifted athletically, obviously, or he would have been 248 00:13:05,440 --> 00:13:08,400 Speaker 1: drafted higher and probably would have played sooner and all 249 00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:10,280 Speaker 1: those sort of things. But when you get him in 250 00:13:10,320 --> 00:13:13,600 Speaker 1: a game, he plays, he doesn't he doesn't hurt you. 251 00:13:14,280 --> 00:13:18,079 Speaker 1: So it would not surprise me if they bring him 252 00:13:18,080 --> 00:13:22,080 Speaker 1: back because he does have position versatility. I stink with 253 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:24,480 Speaker 1: his long arms, he could be an emergency tackle for 254 00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:26,920 Speaker 1: you as well. But he's shown he can play guard, 255 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:29,439 Speaker 1: he's shown he can play center. Is he going to 256 00:13:29,559 --> 00:13:31,920 Speaker 1: light it up and be a Pro Bowl candidate? No, 257 00:13:32,760 --> 00:13:34,599 Speaker 1: but you know not everybody's going to be in the 258 00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:37,400 Speaker 1: Pro Bowl. All right, Let's talk about a couple of 259 00:13:37,440 --> 00:13:40,840 Speaker 1: guys that aren't free agents to be. They're still less 260 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:44,720 Speaker 1: signed through the coming year. Two wide receivers, starting with 261 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:47,280 Speaker 1: Tyler Boyd. Final year of his four year rookie deal 262 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:49,240 Speaker 1: coming up. He was not a first round draft pick, 263 00:13:49,280 --> 00:13:51,600 Speaker 1: so they don't have the fifth year option. It's been 264 00:13:51,600 --> 00:13:55,440 Speaker 1: a bargain. He'll make a nine hundred eighty thou approximately 265 00:13:55,600 --> 00:14:00,000 Speaker 1: this year. Did they try to extend him before this season? 266 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:04,040 Speaker 1: And begins pay the man? Got to pay the man. 267 00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:06,760 Speaker 1: He's he's earned it. Yeah. I think he's gonna try 268 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:10,360 Speaker 1: to extend them. Um, you know, in my mind, what's 269 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:15,400 Speaker 1: the priority? Deniard first, Boyd's second, other way around. You know, 270 00:14:15,679 --> 00:14:19,760 Speaker 1: I think whichever whichever agent comes to the table most realistic. 271 00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:22,480 Speaker 1: You know, I I'd pursue both of them almost on 272 00:14:22,520 --> 00:14:26,880 Speaker 1: a simultaneous basis, and tell both representatives money's on the table, 273 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:30,080 Speaker 1: who wants it now? Boyd is signed through this year, 274 00:14:30,120 --> 00:14:32,800 Speaker 1: whereas Denard you'd have to sign him to bring him back, right, 275 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:37,400 Speaker 1: That's true. So and I would. I'd probably have separate 276 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:40,360 Speaker 1: pots a little bit, but it would still be coming 277 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:44,160 Speaker 1: out of that overall, kittie, you know, So I'd i'd basically, 278 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:47,440 Speaker 1: you know, try to try to stimulate Boyd's agent too. 279 00:14:48,240 --> 00:14:50,880 Speaker 1: Obviously he's going to say, look, you know if he 280 00:14:50,920 --> 00:14:52,840 Speaker 1: plays this year out, you guys won't be able to 281 00:14:52,840 --> 00:14:55,480 Speaker 1: afford him. Well, you know, it's going to be interesting 282 00:14:55,600 --> 00:14:59,600 Speaker 1: how that, how that negotiation U unfolds. I think he's 283 00:14:59,600 --> 00:15:02,640 Speaker 1: going to be unbelievable fit for this offense as well. 284 00:15:02,920 --> 00:15:07,640 Speaker 1: I think he's gonna eat it up. And because he does. 285 00:15:07,720 --> 00:15:12,120 Speaker 1: He does two things well, he catches the football and 286 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:16,400 Speaker 1: he's tough. So in a crowd, I mean Andy Dalton 287 00:15:16,440 --> 00:15:19,760 Speaker 1: will he's open when he's covered because he knows he'll 288 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:22,360 Speaker 1: fight for the football He's not gonna you know, he's 289 00:15:22,360 --> 00:15:24,280 Speaker 1: not gonna let the other guy come down with it 290 00:15:24,040 --> 00:15:29,000 Speaker 1: if it's a fifty fifty proposition. He's very physical, tremendous 291 00:15:29,080 --> 00:15:32,440 Speaker 1: route runner, has a real sense for finding openings in defense. 292 00:15:32,520 --> 00:15:34,960 Speaker 1: Haven't played the quarterback position. He's he's the real deal. 293 00:15:35,160 --> 00:15:38,440 Speaker 1: He's a legitimate guy. But in my mind, you know, speed, 294 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:42,520 Speaker 1: all that stuff's important, But can he catch it? And 295 00:15:42,720 --> 00:15:45,760 Speaker 1: is he tough? He checks both those boxes big time. 296 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:49,400 Speaker 1: Then there's a j Green turns thirty one in July. 297 00:15:49,560 --> 00:15:52,960 Speaker 1: He's already received two hefty contracts from the Bengals. His 298 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,800 Speaker 1: four year, sixty million dollar deal runs out at the 299 00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:59,960 Speaker 1: end of this year. Arguably the best player in franchise history. 300 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:02,440 Speaker 1: He's right up there with Anthony Munio's. He's got a 301 00:16:02,440 --> 00:16:05,280 Speaker 1: third contract coming from Cincinnati. You would think he would, 302 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:08,760 Speaker 1: I mean, not only for what he's done on the field, 303 00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:11,480 Speaker 1: but the way he's comported himself off the field. The 304 00:16:11,560 --> 00:16:14,600 Speaker 1: guy has been a franchise dream, you know, he really has. 305 00:16:14,640 --> 00:16:21,720 Speaker 1: I mean, I think that probably every owner, general manager, 306 00:16:21,760 --> 00:16:25,720 Speaker 1: head coach would like to say, here's here's an example 307 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:29,440 Speaker 1: of how to handle yourself as a as a professional 308 00:16:29,520 --> 00:16:32,480 Speaker 1: in the National Football League. This guy's got all kinds 309 00:16:32,480 --> 00:16:35,280 Speaker 1: of talent um. I mean, look at look at Antonio 310 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:37,880 Speaker 1: Brown and Levi and Bell. Look what happened in Pittsburgh. 311 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:42,360 Speaker 1: I mean, and the just the antithesis of that is 312 00:16:42,400 --> 00:16:46,520 Speaker 1: aj Green. It's it's incredible. So he has he has 313 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:48,640 Speaker 1: that type of skill set that those guys have. He 314 00:16:48,680 --> 00:16:51,680 Speaker 1: has the unbelievable like wow factor. I mean, he makes 315 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:54,720 Speaker 1: as we've seen all the years in training camp, ractice 316 00:16:54,760 --> 00:16:57,240 Speaker 1: in the players say he makes catches every week. That's 317 00:16:57,280 --> 00:17:03,760 Speaker 1: like what so, I mean, he hasn't any diminishing physical 318 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:06,919 Speaker 1: skill sets. You know, you can still run, jump, do 319 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:09,399 Speaker 1: everything he's done. Has been hurt though two out of 320 00:17:09,400 --> 00:17:11,400 Speaker 1: the last three years. Yeah, he has had a little 321 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:13,879 Speaker 1: bit of an injury bugaboo. I don't know, maybe maybe 322 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:17,760 Speaker 1: some of it, maybe you maybe you structure it to 323 00:17:17,760 --> 00:17:20,480 Speaker 1: try to try to cover yourself that way. But with 324 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:23,000 Speaker 1: a guy his caliber, that's awful tough to do. I mean, 325 00:17:23,080 --> 00:17:26,919 Speaker 1: that's very, very tough to do. But yeah, he's a 326 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:30,200 Speaker 1: guy that. I mean, when Anthony Munios was holding out 327 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:34,080 Speaker 1: all of us, like what the hell they're not going 328 00:17:34,119 --> 00:17:35,560 Speaker 1: to sign him? Well, how the hell are we going 329 00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:38,359 Speaker 1: to sign a contract. Nobody can do anything more than 330 00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:40,399 Speaker 1: he's done for this football team on and off the 331 00:17:40,440 --> 00:17:43,159 Speaker 1: football field. My god. And I think that's how players 332 00:17:43,200 --> 00:17:46,480 Speaker 1: would feel. You know, if a J. Green got into 333 00:17:46,520 --> 00:17:49,680 Speaker 1: a contentious situation, my god, they're not going to sign him. 334 00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:51,280 Speaker 1: Who are they going to sign? Yeah? I guess the 335 00:17:51,359 --> 00:17:54,560 Speaker 1: question is in his case, do you get it done 336 00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:57,159 Speaker 1: before this year as you did the last time he 337 00:17:57,240 --> 00:17:59,160 Speaker 1: was up, or do you say, you know what, let's 338 00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:02,040 Speaker 1: let this one play out. See if he's healthy still, 339 00:18:02,240 --> 00:18:04,560 Speaker 1: See if he's still the aj that he's been, and 340 00:18:04,680 --> 00:18:08,520 Speaker 1: if so, open the vault and pay I'm the going rate. Yeah, 341 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:12,439 Speaker 1: that that could be the way, depending. I think it's 342 00:18:12,520 --> 00:18:15,680 Speaker 1: all pieces of the puzzle that will you'll put into 343 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:18,520 Speaker 1: into the bigger puzzle as it happens. I mean, I 344 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:20,680 Speaker 1: think it's all going to be all right, Well, here's 345 00:18:20,720 --> 00:18:24,320 Speaker 1: here's stuff that's out there. If somebody bites and jumps 346 00:18:24,359 --> 00:18:26,240 Speaker 1: on it, okay, we'll move that piece. And now we 347 00:18:26,280 --> 00:18:28,760 Speaker 1: have to adjust these. There's not as much for this 348 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:31,880 Speaker 1: and much for that anymore because he took his so 349 00:18:32,400 --> 00:18:35,440 Speaker 1: there is a little bit of pressure like, m Okay, 350 00:18:36,080 --> 00:18:39,600 Speaker 1: do I take take this opportunity and maximize this or 351 00:18:39,640 --> 00:18:43,320 Speaker 1: do I say I'm going to play it out and um, 352 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:45,560 Speaker 1: you know, because I mean it takes two to tango. 353 00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:49,080 Speaker 1: The organization, you know, has has a number, the agent 354 00:18:49,119 --> 00:18:51,480 Speaker 1: has a number. And if the agent says, let's play 355 00:18:51,520 --> 00:18:54,680 Speaker 1: it out, I mean it could could work either way. 356 00:18:54,720 --> 00:18:56,480 Speaker 1: I mean, it's it is. It's a total roll of 357 00:18:56,560 --> 00:18:59,080 Speaker 1: the dice. But when you're doing salary, you have a 358 00:18:59,080 --> 00:19:01,040 Speaker 1: salary cap to work with. You're trying to figure it 359 00:19:01,080 --> 00:19:03,959 Speaker 1: all out. It's it's like a moving target, you know. 360 00:19:04,119 --> 00:19:06,960 Speaker 1: It's it's whoever steps up and come to the comes 361 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:10,200 Speaker 1: to the plate first, and then you adjust accordingly. Before 362 00:19:10,200 --> 00:19:12,920 Speaker 1: we wrap it up, congratulations are in order for Aj 363 00:19:13,080 --> 00:19:15,760 Speaker 1: and Miranda Green on the birth of their second son, 364 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:20,800 Speaker 1: Gunner Blaze Green. Is that kid going to be an athlete? 365 00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:27,720 Speaker 1: About that? It's got a great name, Gunner Blaze Green. Wow. Yeah, 366 00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:30,119 Speaker 1: I'm just like with his first son, I want to 367 00:19:30,119 --> 00:19:32,520 Speaker 1: sign up first to be representative of that young man 368 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:35,679 Speaker 1: because I'm sure he'll be He'll be as physically gifted 369 00:19:35,720 --> 00:19:39,399 Speaker 1: as as as possible. That's great. What a great family 370 00:19:39,600 --> 00:19:42,160 Speaker 1: that really is. I mean, AJ Green, you know they 371 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:46,480 Speaker 1: throw around that term pros pro. This guy Webster's Dictionary. 372 00:19:46,520 --> 00:19:49,560 Speaker 1: If that term pros pros in there his pictures right 373 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:53,240 Speaker 1: there man, Thanks Lap, there will be tons of NFL 374 00:19:53,320 --> 00:19:56,679 Speaker 1: news next week. Teams are allowed to negotiate with the 375 00:19:56,720 --> 00:20:01,640 Speaker 1: agents of upcoming unrestricted free agents from Monday to Wednesday. 376 00:20:01,800 --> 00:20:04,800 Speaker 1: Then at four o'clock on Wednesday, March thirteenth, the new 377 00:20:04,880 --> 00:20:09,680 Speaker 1: league year officially begins. That's when last year's contracts expire, 378 00:20:10,040 --> 00:20:14,080 Speaker 1: the trading period officially open, so trades we've heard about 379 00:20:14,119 --> 00:20:18,240 Speaker 1: in recent days don't become official until then, and free 380 00:20:18,280 --> 00:20:22,720 Speaker 1: agents can officially sign new contracts. Now. Time for this 381 00:20:22,760 --> 00:20:26,080 Speaker 1: week's edition of fun Facts, and my guest is Duke Tobin, 382 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:29,040 Speaker 1: a member of the Bengals front office since nineteen ninety 383 00:20:29,080 --> 00:20:32,360 Speaker 1: nine and one of the most important people in the organization. 384 00:20:32,840 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 1: He oversees the draft, plays a key role in trades 385 00:20:36,280 --> 00:20:40,240 Speaker 1: and free agency, and took part in the hiring process 386 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:43,440 Speaker 1: of new head coach Zach Taylor. Got for some fun 387 00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:46,240 Speaker 1: facts for the Bengals Director of Player Personnel, Duke Tobin. 388 00:20:46,280 --> 00:20:48,399 Speaker 1: And Duke, for those who don't know, your dad is 389 00:20:48,440 --> 00:20:51,879 Speaker 1: a former NFL GM your uncle, Vince is a former 390 00:20:52,160 --> 00:20:54,360 Speaker 1: NFL head coach, So you've been around the game your 391 00:20:54,359 --> 00:20:57,040 Speaker 1: whole life as a kid, Did your dad let you 392 00:20:57,080 --> 00:21:00,600 Speaker 1: hang around his teams? Oh? Absolutely, It's really all I 393 00:21:00,640 --> 00:21:03,439 Speaker 1: did other than playing sports myself. And then when I 394 00:21:03,480 --> 00:21:06,320 Speaker 1: had free time, I'd be up at Hollis Hall or 395 00:21:06,480 --> 00:21:09,439 Speaker 1: being a ball boy, or work in security, or pulling 396 00:21:09,480 --> 00:21:11,919 Speaker 1: the nuts at the games, or just hanging around the 397 00:21:11,960 --> 00:21:14,480 Speaker 1: locker room. So yeah, I grew up around pro football 398 00:21:14,520 --> 00:21:17,160 Speaker 1: and that's really all I've ever known. Did you realize 399 00:21:17,200 --> 00:21:20,800 Speaker 1: as a kid how lucky you were? Well, I don't 400 00:21:20,840 --> 00:21:22,920 Speaker 1: think you ever realized. I don't think any kid ever 401 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:27,000 Speaker 1: realizes how lucky they are. It was just standard. It 402 00:21:27,080 --> 00:21:30,560 Speaker 1: was part of life. It was it was every day 403 00:21:30,600 --> 00:21:33,640 Speaker 1: for me, and so no, you don't as a kid 404 00:21:33,720 --> 00:21:36,440 Speaker 1: reflect on how lucky you are really ever. We're doing 405 00:21:36,480 --> 00:21:39,560 Speaker 1: fun facts with Duke Tobin. Your dad was largely responsible 406 00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:42,159 Speaker 1: for building one of the greatest and most colorful teams 407 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:45,040 Speaker 1: in NFL history, the nineteen eighty five Chicago Bears. We're 408 00:21:45,080 --> 00:21:48,800 Speaker 1: talking to Walter Payton, the Fridge, Jim McMahon, Mike did etc. 409 00:21:49,520 --> 00:21:52,080 Speaker 1: You were fifteen at the time. What are your memories 410 00:21:52,080 --> 00:21:55,000 Speaker 1: of that team. I've got great memories of that team. 411 00:21:55,280 --> 00:22:00,480 Speaker 1: They had. They had ability, they had character, they were 412 00:22:00,840 --> 00:22:03,840 Speaker 1: they enjoyed the game. Uh, they were a team, they 413 00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:07,520 Speaker 1: enjoyed each other, they had fun. It was more than 414 00:22:07,560 --> 00:22:10,360 Speaker 1: a job. It was their lifestyle. And when I look 415 00:22:10,400 --> 00:22:12,919 Speaker 1: at players today, those are the players I compare them to. 416 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:15,040 Speaker 1: Those are the guys I'm always trying to find. And 417 00:22:15,560 --> 00:22:17,639 Speaker 1: you know, Walter Payton be in the number one, you 418 00:22:17,720 --> 00:22:20,280 Speaker 1: know that's uh, when you're great a guy that's kind 419 00:22:20,320 --> 00:22:22,440 Speaker 1: of the high end of the scale, and then how 420 00:22:22,440 --> 00:22:25,160 Speaker 1: good is he compared to And a lot of those 421 00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:28,439 Speaker 1: bears of the of the eighties or guys that that 422 00:22:28,600 --> 00:22:30,680 Speaker 1: kind of shaped my opinion of what a football player 423 00:22:30,720 --> 00:22:33,600 Speaker 1: should be. Where did you watch that Super Bowl? I 424 00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:39,560 Speaker 1: was on the field. It was exciting. It was I 425 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:42,240 Speaker 1: would say nerve wracking, but it really wasn't because you 426 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:45,960 Speaker 1: felt like there was wasn't anything that could stop that team. 427 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:48,520 Speaker 1: It just had had a chemistry and a uniqueness to 428 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:51,959 Speaker 1: it that it was gonna happen, and I think the 429 00:22:51,960 --> 00:22:55,320 Speaker 1: players players felt it, and certainly all the support staff 430 00:22:55,320 --> 00:22:57,840 Speaker 1: felt it. We're doing fun facts for the Bengals Director 431 00:22:57,840 --> 00:23:00,440 Speaker 1: of player Personnel Duke Tobin. Duke, you are a fine 432 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:02,240 Speaker 1: athlete in your own right and went on to be 433 00:23:02,280 --> 00:23:05,640 Speaker 1: a college football quarterback. I found an old Chicago Tribune 434 00:23:05,680 --> 00:23:08,400 Speaker 1: storing about you from your high school days. The headline 435 00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:12,560 Speaker 1: was Tobin in relatively good shape, which sounds like it 436 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:14,800 Speaker 1: could be about you now, but it was actually kind 437 00:23:14,800 --> 00:23:16,320 Speaker 1: of a play on the fact that you had these 438 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:20,000 Speaker 1: family ties. The article said that your dining room table 439 00:23:20,080 --> 00:23:23,520 Speaker 1: was covered with brochures and letters from college teams. Did 440 00:23:23,560 --> 00:23:26,600 Speaker 1: you enjoy the attention, Well, I think any young guy 441 00:23:27,040 --> 00:23:32,920 Speaker 1: enjoys the attention. We had a successful team, and the 442 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:35,520 Speaker 1: high school football experience is still by far the best 443 00:23:35,560 --> 00:23:38,160 Speaker 1: football experience I've ever had, and I think for most 444 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:42,120 Speaker 1: people that's that's true. The recruiting experience was a little 445 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:46,280 Speaker 1: bit nerve racking, a little bit stressful. I was fortunate 446 00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:48,439 Speaker 1: to have a choice of a lot of places to 447 00:23:48,520 --> 00:23:52,320 Speaker 1: go to, and you know, I tried to make the 448 00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:55,520 Speaker 1: most of it and tried to make the best decisions 449 00:23:55,600 --> 00:23:58,120 Speaker 1: for me, and I had a lot of good help too. 450 00:23:58,240 --> 00:24:01,120 Speaker 1: So you started out close to home, Illinois, playing football 451 00:24:01,160 --> 00:24:04,320 Speaker 1: and baseball, and the starting quarterback when you got there 452 00:24:04,359 --> 00:24:06,200 Speaker 1: with Jeff George. You went on to be the number 453 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:09,520 Speaker 1: one overall pick in the NFL draft. You evaluate talent 454 00:24:09,640 --> 00:24:12,720 Speaker 1: now for a living strictly in terms of armed talent, 455 00:24:13,119 --> 00:24:16,280 Speaker 1: How good was Jeff George? Well, he was really good. 456 00:24:16,280 --> 00:24:18,919 Speaker 1: It's humbling throwing next to a guy like that because 457 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:24,600 Speaker 1: it shows all your deficits pretty quick. And so when 458 00:24:24,600 --> 00:24:27,240 Speaker 1: I showed up there, it was he was a little 459 00:24:27,280 --> 00:24:29,840 Speaker 1: bit on inspiring to watch how the ball came out 460 00:24:29,840 --> 00:24:32,639 Speaker 1: of his hand. One of the strongest arms, quickest releases 461 00:24:32,680 --> 00:24:36,199 Speaker 1: that you can see and that I've ever seen. And 462 00:24:36,280 --> 00:24:38,800 Speaker 1: I was fortunate to be on some good college teams, 463 00:24:38,840 --> 00:24:41,600 Speaker 1: and I think for my job right now, that kind 464 00:24:41,600 --> 00:24:44,440 Speaker 1: of helped me in shape. You know what I look 465 00:24:44,520 --> 00:24:48,680 Speaker 1: for and what a good college player is because those 466 00:24:48,720 --> 00:24:51,240 Speaker 1: Illinois teams were good. And then when I went to Colorado, 467 00:24:51,480 --> 00:24:53,439 Speaker 1: we had some very fine teams there and a lot 468 00:24:53,480 --> 00:24:55,680 Speaker 1: of very good players that played in the NFL. You 469 00:24:55,760 --> 00:24:58,320 Speaker 1: finished your college career with two years at Colorado, and 470 00:24:58,359 --> 00:25:01,800 Speaker 1: the quarterback there when you got to Colorado is Cordell Stewart. 471 00:25:02,400 --> 00:25:05,080 Speaker 1: Not the arm talent of Jeff George, but another guy 472 00:25:05,119 --> 00:25:07,720 Speaker 1: that had practiced. It was probably kind of intimidating seeing 473 00:25:07,760 --> 00:25:11,439 Speaker 1: slash his athletic ability. Yeah, and I wouldn't underestimate his 474 00:25:11,560 --> 00:25:15,000 Speaker 1: arm strength either. He had a strong arm and could 475 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:18,080 Speaker 1: throw it a long way, a different style quarterback than Jeff. 476 00:25:18,160 --> 00:25:20,880 Speaker 1: Jeff wasn't mobile at all, but Cordell could really run 477 00:25:20,920 --> 00:25:23,840 Speaker 1: and make plays when things broke down. Things broke down 478 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:26,080 Speaker 1: a lot, and so he had to do that. Whether 479 00:25:26,119 --> 00:25:27,919 Speaker 1: it broke down because of what he was doing or 480 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:30,320 Speaker 1: what the rest of the offense was doing is probably 481 00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:34,000 Speaker 1: is probably a pick him. But the other guy we 482 00:25:34,040 --> 00:25:37,000 Speaker 1: had there was Vance Joseph, and Vance didn't have a 483 00:25:37,040 --> 00:25:39,480 Speaker 1: weak army either. Vance could really sling it too. So 484 00:25:40,400 --> 00:25:42,480 Speaker 1: it made a lot of good connections there, and I 485 00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:44,880 Speaker 1: have a lot of good friends from those days. Duke. 486 00:25:44,960 --> 00:25:47,240 Speaker 1: You did get to start a game at Colorado when 487 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:50,120 Speaker 1: Cordell was injured. What are your memories of that day? Well, 488 00:25:50,119 --> 00:25:52,320 Speaker 1: the better game for me was the game leading into that, 489 00:25:52,440 --> 00:25:55,080 Speaker 1: the Baylor game. I was able to come in and 490 00:25:55,080 --> 00:25:58,840 Speaker 1: had some success down in Waco, and then the start 491 00:25:58,880 --> 00:26:00,919 Speaker 1: didn't go the way it should of, at least the 492 00:26:00,960 --> 00:26:03,639 Speaker 1: way that I wanted it to, and uh, you know, 493 00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:06,439 Speaker 1: we ended up winning the game at the end, but 494 00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:09,800 Speaker 1: that was up in Minneapolis. Probably not my finest hour, 495 00:26:09,920 --> 00:26:13,280 Speaker 1: but oh you move on and move forward, and that 496 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:17,360 Speaker 1: probably galvanized me in a lot of ways, so probably 497 00:26:17,520 --> 00:26:21,320 Speaker 1: grateful for it. Playing football wasn't finished after college. You 498 00:26:21,359 --> 00:26:23,439 Speaker 1: went to a play in the Arena League for a 499 00:26:23,440 --> 00:26:26,879 Speaker 1: couple of years with the Orlando Predators in the Memphis Pharaohs. 500 00:26:27,240 --> 00:26:30,880 Speaker 1: Did you make any money playing Arena League football? Uh? 501 00:26:31,640 --> 00:26:34,240 Speaker 1: You know, for a guy just out of college, any money, 502 00:26:34,280 --> 00:26:36,160 Speaker 1: it seems like a lot of money. And so yeah, 503 00:26:36,320 --> 00:26:38,920 Speaker 1: we we We made a little bit and they put 504 00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:41,719 Speaker 1: us up. They give us a place to live and 505 00:26:41,920 --> 00:26:45,080 Speaker 1: room and board and you know, an automobile to drive, 506 00:26:45,119 --> 00:26:47,439 Speaker 1: and so there were some positives to it. We had 507 00:26:47,440 --> 00:26:50,679 Speaker 1: a good team there as well. And I think a 508 00:26:50,680 --> 00:26:53,000 Speaker 1: lot of college football players don't want to admit that 509 00:26:53,040 --> 00:26:56,120 Speaker 1: it's that it's over. I probably fell into that bucket 510 00:26:56,200 --> 00:26:59,320 Speaker 1: and said, hey, why not give it another year or two, 511 00:27:00,200 --> 00:27:05,080 Speaker 1: ended up getting hurt and it wasn't worth giving your 512 00:27:05,160 --> 00:27:08,120 Speaker 1: knee ligament for it for sure, and started scouting soon 513 00:27:08,200 --> 00:27:11,840 Speaker 1: after that I realized where my lot was. A couple 514 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:14,320 Speaker 1: more fun facts with the Bengals Director of Player Personnel 515 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:17,639 Speaker 1: Duke Tobin. Let's go inside the Bengals war room, so 516 00:27:17,720 --> 00:27:20,719 Speaker 1: to speak. On draft Day, who is the most animated 517 00:27:20,840 --> 00:27:25,560 Speaker 1: person that weekend? I like to think we're all pretty 518 00:27:25,560 --> 00:27:29,439 Speaker 1: common collected. Probably the most animated person is whoever is 519 00:27:29,800 --> 00:27:32,480 Speaker 1: the position coach for the position that we're talking about 520 00:27:32,520 --> 00:27:35,760 Speaker 1: at that given moment. But we try to stay level 521 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:38,840 Speaker 1: headed and calm. We try to get all of the 522 00:27:38,960 --> 00:27:43,000 Speaker 1: discussions out of the way in the weeks leading up 523 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:44,919 Speaker 1: to the draft, so that there aren't a lot of 524 00:27:44,960 --> 00:27:48,199 Speaker 1: animated discussions. We kind of know where we're heading, and 525 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:51,000 Speaker 1: if there were differences, we try to cross those bridge 526 00:27:51,040 --> 00:27:54,520 Speaker 1: those differences prior to that moment in there. So a 527 00:27:54,560 --> 00:27:58,000 Speaker 1: lot of it is fans would be very shocked. It's 528 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:01,480 Speaker 1: people sitting around and you know, reading their iPads and 529 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:05,760 Speaker 1: watching TV and watching the clock tick away and crossing 530 00:28:05,800 --> 00:28:08,879 Speaker 1: off names and so it's a it's a pretty common 531 00:28:09,240 --> 00:28:11,919 Speaker 1: room for the most part. You alluded to this earlier. 532 00:28:11,960 --> 00:28:13,440 Speaker 1: There are a lot of folks out there that make 533 00:28:13,640 --> 00:28:17,480 Speaker 1: mock drafts. It is a cottage industry for people to 534 00:28:17,960 --> 00:28:20,680 Speaker 1: people that know what you do for a living try 535 00:28:20,720 --> 00:28:24,200 Speaker 1: to get insight for their own mock draft. I don't 536 00:28:24,200 --> 00:28:27,440 Speaker 1: believe so, I don't. I don't get questions that way. 537 00:28:27,480 --> 00:28:31,119 Speaker 1: I think that people are interested in what we feel 538 00:28:31,160 --> 00:28:33,640 Speaker 1: and how we look at players, and we do try 539 00:28:33,680 --> 00:28:36,359 Speaker 1: to have some events as the year goes on and 540 00:28:36,440 --> 00:28:40,120 Speaker 1: as the draft approaches, we have some events for sponsors 541 00:28:40,120 --> 00:28:42,840 Speaker 1: and suite holders and season ticket holders and so forth 542 00:28:43,560 --> 00:28:45,840 Speaker 1: that we try to give them an insight into what 543 00:28:45,880 --> 00:28:48,280 Speaker 1: we do and how we do it. And we even 544 00:28:48,280 --> 00:28:50,360 Speaker 1: put on some film and to say, hey, this is 545 00:28:50,400 --> 00:28:51,959 Speaker 1: what we like in a player and this is what 546 00:28:52,000 --> 00:28:53,800 Speaker 1: we don't like in a player. So we do try 547 00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:57,440 Speaker 1: to explain the process two important people and business partners. 548 00:28:57,880 --> 00:29:00,760 Speaker 1: But I don't get a lot of us from people 549 00:29:00,800 --> 00:29:03,720 Speaker 1: trying to put together mock drafts. No, all right, you're 550 00:29:03,720 --> 00:29:06,280 Speaker 1: off the hot seat. Thanks for the time. That's going 551 00:29:06,320 --> 00:29:08,840 Speaker 1: to do it for this episode of the podcast. If 552 00:29:08,840 --> 00:29:12,840 Speaker 1: you haven't done so already, don't forget to subscribe on iTunes, stitch, 553 00:29:12,880 --> 00:29:15,280 Speaker 1: your google Play, or pod Bean, and if you have 554 00:29:15,360 --> 00:29:17,800 Speaker 1: a minute, give it a rating or leave a comment. 555 00:29:18,040 --> 00:29:21,560 Speaker 1: Your feedback is always appreciated, and five star ratings help 556 00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:25,560 Speaker 1: more Bengals fans find this podcast. I'm Dan Horde, and 557 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:29,280 Speaker 1: thank you for listening to The Bengals Booth Podcast.