April 26, 2025 • 34 mins
Dan Hoard introduces us to Cincinnati’s day three draft picks. Then, Dave Lapham joins Dan for an overview of the 2025 class.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Hi again everybody. I'm Dan Hord and thanks for downloading
the Bengals Booth Podcast the cause you know I love
the player's addition. As we introduce you to the three
players taken on Day three of the draft and sum
up the class of twenty twenty five. The Bengals Booth
Podcast is brought to you by pay Corps, Proud to
(00:24):
be the Bengals official HR software provider, by All to
Fiber future proof Fiber Internet designed to elevate your home,
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Health the best care for the best fans. Kettering Health
is the official healthcare provider of the Bengals. Now here's
a quick reminder that you can have the latest edition
(00:44):
of this podcast delivered write to your phone, tablet or
computer by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. It's the
greatest thing since TV coverage of the NFL Draft. The
first draft ever televised was the Anthony munyoft in nineteen eighty.
A six month old all sports cable network desperate for
(01:06):
programming named ESPN figured that the draft would draw a
few eyeballs. The first round was on a Tuesday afternoon
and there were no fans in attendance. It was basically
a bunch of people sitting around phones. Forty five years later,
it's a three day extravaganza that hundreds of thousands of
people attend in person and millions more watch on TV.
(01:30):
In fact, this year's first round averaged thirteen point six
million viewers, the second most watched first round ever, the
only one that topped it the Joe Burrow Draft in
twenty twenty. Now, let's get to the Bengals Day three selections.
In the fourth round, Cincinnati picked linebacker Barrett Carter out
(01:52):
of Clemson. Carter was a three year starter for the
Tigers and a captain last year. He's a little undersized
in terms of height at six feet, but he's a
solid two hundred and thirty two pounds with excellent speed,
and he rarely came off the field, including special team's duty.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden says that Carter made a great
(02:13):
impression when they met face to face at the NFL combine.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
First of all, it wasn't canned, you know, it wasn't practice.
I thought it was really the word that I wrote
down on my notes was authentic, you know, just the
the relationship that he had with his pastor you know,
back home and four point zero GPA team captain. You know,
(02:40):
we have a sign down here in our weight room,
you know, fat pH a T and he's that. So
he's he's a guy that you know, is a culture
creator and he'll improve ours. He's a guy that we
had high regard for, had grades higher than the current round.
(03:02):
UH could play stack linebacker, gives us four down value,
early downs, third down and UH special teams Team Captain
green dot UH four oh g p A just a
family oriented guy.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
UH.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Just a really impressive human being.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
UH.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
And he's gonna have an immediate impact for us. We're
too deep at linebacker now in terms of if we're
playing four to two, UH, we still need some help
in terms of if we're playing bass with you know
four three structure. So I just feel like, you know,
we we have you know, six seven linebackers. I think
(03:38):
we have more ends now. So I think we've fortified
a bunch of positions. And it just gives me a
sense of Okay, now we can UH plot the course
when the crossroads of UH evaluation and opportunity UH meet
UH in terms of need meeting opportunity. You know, theres
(04:00):
a need and the evaluation was high. It's hard to
pass up that prospect.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
By the way, Elle made a reference to the letters
P H A T that are on the wall in
the Bengals weight room. They stand for physical, Hungry, accountable teammate.
We spoke to Carter after he was selected and got
his reaction to being chosen by the Bengals in round four.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
I was not anticipating it at all. You know, I
was just trying to take in everything, just pick my pick.
And you know, I saw something on the clock, and
you know, I was I was hoping for it, but
you know what I mean, you never know what the
draft and I see my phone light up and I
answer the call, and you know, here we are. So
I'm super, super blessed to be a part of it
and just I'm ready to you know, get get to
(04:44):
work and you know, you know, go win some games.
So I'm super excited.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
Fears a profile of you were you removed the defense
as a sophomore and that you quote unquote hated it.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
What did you hate about that move? Are you grateful
now that they made that move? Yeah? So that was
my That was the end of my freshman year of
high school, and I just I'd grown up playing receiver
and running back really my whole life, and you know,
they moved me the linebacker, and I was I was
super mad about it. I thought I was I'm from Chicaga,
and I thought I was gonna be the next Devin Hester,
so something like that, and then moved me to defense,
(05:14):
and I was pissed off. I wanted to quit football,
but the next day I got my.
Speaker 6 (05:18):
First scholarship offer.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
So God wore some mysterious ways and that showed me
that right there. But you know, I've grown to love
defense and I wouldn't want to play any other side
of the ball, and I wouldn't want to play any
other position.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Defensive coordinator Al Golden spoke about your interview in Indianapolis
and he described it as authentic and that you didn't
sound coached. How did you approach those one on one
meetings with NFL teams?
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Yeah, you know, I walked into my interviews and I
just I just I was just being myself.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
I didn't want to put up a put up a
front and anything or you know, try to be something
that I'm not, you know, God gave me my DNA,
my finger print, and no one else has the same
finger print. And I stand by that and I live
by that. So I walked into every single room just
being myself. I'm a confident, humble, smart young man, and
you know that's that's that's why, that's what I tried
(06:06):
to be in every single interview. So I'm glad. I
guess I left a good impression.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
What made you an effective and good team captain?
Speaker 4 (06:15):
I would say the number one thing that I lead
with love, and I don't I don't just you know,
attach myself to the starters or the other linebackers or
the other like like other good players, like I don't
care like what your role is or who you are.
I'm gonna treat you like you're the most important player
or whoever you are. So I mean, it didn't matter
(06:36):
if you were a walk on who never touched a
field or if you were the starting quarterback, like I
approach you the same.
Speaker 6 (06:41):
I didn't talk to you any differently.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
And I think that you know, seeing that authenticity, that genuine,
that genuine love and care, I think that's why you
know my teammates voting your team captain. So I would
say that's the number one thing.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
In the fifth round, the Bengals selected offensive lineman Jalen
Rivers out of the University of Miami. He's six' six
roughly three hundred and twenty pounds and helped protect the
number one pick in this year's, draft Cam ward And
rivers is. Versatile this past, season he played three hundred
and sixty four snaps at left tackle and two hundred
(07:15):
nineteen snaps at left, guard often playing both in the same.
Game here's offensive Coordinator Dan. Pitcher really impressive, guy.
Speaker 7 (07:26):
Very, smart physically, gifted, versatile has has really played just
about an equal share of his snaps at guard and,
tackle oftentimes within game playing guard and.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Tackle so that.
Speaker 7 (07:41):
Versatility really speaks to the VALUE i think he'll provide
us at this. Level adding a super high character, guy great,
length very good pass. Protector had him here in the
building on a visit and couldn't have been more impressed
with him as a. Person we've just added talent to that.
Speaker 6 (07:59):
Room we've got.
Speaker 7 (08:00):
Better we feel really good about, that and it is
key that as you're adding guys who you expect to
compete potentially serve is depth pieces at least initially that
they have that versatility and So jalen has that and it'll.
Speaker 6 (08:14):
Prove valuable for.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Us my third round Pick Dylan fairchild looking like the
front runner to start at left. Guard rivers figures to
primarily be a backup tackle with the ability to play
guard if.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Needed, Oh i'm extremely excited to be a part of this.
Program this PROGRAM i visited and taught to coaches And
i've been watching for a long. Time So i'm excited
to be a part of a building organization and a
team that's going to be, great And i'm just another
addition to. It SO i mean, Quite i'm an ecstatic right.
Now lost For.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
Wards did you have several thirty visits and when The
bengals brought you, in did you make or did that
make you think that this was a real?
Speaker 6 (08:53):
Possibility the being was my only thirty, visit but DEFINITELY
i did feel OF i didn't feel the sense of
AFTER i leave in, There i'm, LIKE i definitely feel
like this is a great fit for, me AND i
feel like they viewed me the, same and of course
the show today being picked by, them but that was
my only thirty visit and like they get that sense of,
(09:14):
like you KNOW i, COULD i can definitely be.
Speaker 7 (09:16):
Here what did you learn about playing offensive line through
your through your experience blocking front Of lye quarterback And.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
Cam, Mooreton, well definitely you got to hold off your.
Block you don't have a, time you, know clocking your
head with. Him you got a lot and to make these.
Plays and if that's holding the ball for aid or you,
know let him do his thing to get guys open
and make, plays then you gotta just give him that.
Time so it was important for all of us to
get our quarterback and my head and you keep them.
(09:44):
Clean you, know we try our, best but we take
pride in blocking for a quarterback that puts himself or
puts others before himself as. Well and you know he's
a great leader to you, know for us At miami
when we're at, there and then now he's gonna be
a great addition to his program's with The. Titans but
just great guy to block. Four and it feels great
(10:04):
to want a block four quarterback like. That and now
blocking For Joe, burrow so you got a tradition that
mindset with him as.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Well The bengal sixth and final pick taken in the
sixth round was running Back Taj brooks out Of Texas.
Tech in an extremely deep running back, Class brooks was
among the most. Productive he was eighth in the nation
and rushing this year with fifteen hundred and five yards
and fourth in the country the year before with fifteen
(10:32):
hundred and forty. One Here's Zach, taylor.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
Tough great lateral, quickness good ball skills you, know can
protect for us as. Well so really just a really
good all round. Player you, know our running back coach knew.
Him justin hild knew him from the recruiting process years,
ago and so again these are there was a good.
Class towser is one that we were really really high
on from a scouts and coaches, perspective and so for
(10:57):
him to be there in the sixth round we got,
him we were really hockey that he fell to a step.
Point we have a good mix of running backs in
our room right. Now you, know to answer your, QUESTION
i think all shapes and, sizes all. Abilities so it's really,
good really good to get a mix of those guys in.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
There brooks is a five to nine low center of
gravity bowling ball with four or five, speed and another Team.
Captain head Coach Joey maguire called him as good of
a person as there is on this. Planet here's the
twenty three year old running back.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
Blessed that the, organization The bengal organizations gave me that drafted.
Speaker 5 (11:35):
Me it was.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
AWESOME i put a smile to my face and the
running me in and running bass clothes go very. Well
he was a guy that recruited me in college And
i'm GLAD i got to be back with. Him how
would you describe the styles of. RUNNING i feel Like
i'm all on the. Back i'm very. Versatile i'll guess
about out of the. BACKSHIELD i can. Run i'm very
explosive in a run, game AND i can do AND
i have very violent hands and Passbo that's something you
(11:57):
see on my tape a lot and very blessing about.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
It, gosh what made you so productive your last two?
Years over fifteen hundred yards each season and also one
hundred and ninety nine yards past receiving this.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Year i'll feel like what made me so productive is
just the consistency you see on take the violets and
how running my runs. OFF i don't let one person taking.
Me that's Something i've just you, know built over my
career and being in the past. GAME i feel LIKE
i have the best hands on a. FIELD i feel
LIKE i feel LIKE i have the best hands in
the running back. Class so that's just how the attitude
(12:32):
That i'll bring towards an, organization you, know in just
the past game and just being explosive that.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
WAY A draft overview With Zach taylor And Dave lapham
is still to, come but, first a quick reminder that
The Bengals booth podcast is brought to you By Paid,
corps proud to be The Bengals OFFICIAL hr software, provider
by Aulta fiber Future Proof Fiber internet designed to elevate your,
home business and community to a new, level and By
Kettering health the Best care for The Best. Fans health
(13:00):
is the official healthcare provider of The. Bengals now here's
a big picture look at the class of twenty twenty
five From Zach.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
TAYLOR i think the theme is they love. Football you,
know you're really all six of these guys as you've
gotten to know, them some might know better than. Others
but that's what you took away, is, man these they
just love talking. Football they've been around, football they'll have
been around their. Teammates they made huge impacts on the
programs that they were, at you, know and by a huge,
IMPACT i mean not only on the, field but the
(13:29):
way that people talked about them off the. Field you
could feel that the impact they made, there and that
means something to. Use, man we can put a depth
chart out there and feel, like feel really good about
where we're. At that's a big piece that helps us
sleep well at night right. Now and guys that we're excited.
About you. Know so we already had guys currently on
the roster that really got us, excited and then you
(13:51):
get to add these three on defense that we just
added and feel really good. About, now let's go implement
the scheme and get guys comfortable and go.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
POINTBALL i had the, last but not least time to
bring in my broadcast, Partner Dave. Lapham All, right, lap
let's start with fourth round draft Pick Barrett carter out Of.
Clemson they doubled down on the linebacker. Position this guy's
got good. CREDENTIALS a three year starter for The, tigers
he was a. Captain he rarely came off the, field
(14:19):
whether it was defense or special. TEAMS i would imagine
he'll certainly play a special teams role right. AWAY i
read in one report a scout from another team gave
him a second round. Grade so The bengals weren't the
only team that thought highly Of Barrett.
Speaker 6 (14:33):
Carter.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
YEAH i, mean he's he's an athletic, guy stout, guy
six two and thirty, pounds and you, know he can.
Run that's that's the thing that that impressed me up
and down the. Draft they do their homework in that
regard and you, watch you watch. Tape he's. Slippery you,
know he's a guy that you know that doesn't stay.
(14:54):
Blocked he's he's somebody that he had success with me. Captain,
obviously he's a, leader and that's the thing that we've
talked about, Earlier, dan the leadership and the integrity from
a personal, standpoint the people standpoint of this football, team
(15:14):
of these guys they drafted to try to make the
football team is. INCREDIBLE i, mean this kid was A
Buckers award, finalist you, know AND i think he will
be a like a sub package candidate like you're talking.
About he can run in special, teams it will be a.
Factor he had two undred and fifty three. Tackles he
had thirty three tackles for loss in his, career a
(15:35):
couple of passes broken. Up it Wasn't they didn't blitz
him a whole. Lot he didn't pressure the quarterback. Much
twelve and a half, sacks three, interceptions three fumble, recoveries
two forced. Funnels SO i mean he was a stat sheets.
Stuffer he. Did he did a little, bit a little
bit of everything For. Clemson first guy to everwhere number
zero for The Clemson. Tigers so obviously they like his skill,
(16:00):
set the fact that he was a, captain a, leader
highly regarded by his. Teammates and the, thing the thing
that impresses me about every one of these draft, picks
And i'm sure the when the coaches interviewed him and
when the organizational people interviewed, him you can see or
even see and hear how important the game is to these.
(16:23):
Guys you, know it's you, know they're they're they're in
it for the right. Reasons AND i think the culture
that is being built here is not being damaged whatsoever
by bringing any of these guys into the.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
Mix so they doubled down at linebacker in the fourth,
round and then they doubled down on offensive line in
the fifth when they Took Jalen rivers out of The
university Of. Miami this is a guy who basically split
his time between tackle and guard for The, hurricanes dabbled
in center at The Senior. BOWL i don't think people
expecting to play center in THE, Nfl but when you
take an offensive lineman in the fifth, round you're probably
(17:00):
not expecting him to be a starter right, away but
you are hoping he can be an important reserve right.
Away and having that versatility between tackle and guard is.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
Big it Is. Dan you, know here's a guy that
uh sixty, six three hundred and twenty pounds almost a
thirty five inch arm, length so you, know his wingspan
is enormous as. Well he had ten starts at left,
guard twenty one excuse, me at left, tackle and twenty one.
Speaker 6 (17:29):
Start.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
No twenty one starts at left, tackle ten starts at left.
Guard that's how it broke. Down when you look at this,
GUY i wouldn't call him, athletic BUT i would call
him fundamentally and technically. Sound and it's, repetitive you, know
it's not like every snap he's doing something. DIFFERENT i
(17:50):
mean the guy has it down in terms of how
he wants to approach blocking people to the line of.
Scrimmage and as big as he, IS i, mean he
reminds me of like you, know A Bruce raymers type
of guy back in the, day just eclipses the. SUN i,
mean he takes up so much, space so much. ROOM
i could see, him you, know competing at both, positions
(18:12):
and like you, say not necessarily a starting. Role but
like we talked about earlier, today every offensive lineman in today's,
game unless you're you, know a stud pro bowl guard
or tackle and you're going to stay, there you have
to be able to have a position. Versatility you've got
to be able to move. Around and game day there's
(18:35):
not ten, linemen you, know so somebody is going to
have to potentially do a little bit more than one
position if there's, injuries god, forbid or if you want
to give somebody a break or A blosso a guy
like that who's, proven you, know at a high Level
Miami florida football is pretty. Good and you, know for
him to have double digit starts at both left guard
(18:56):
and left tackle in his career and, then like you,
said dabbled at, center at The Senior. Bowl it tells
you something about the kid that when the coaches at
The Senior bowl were working with, him his FOOTBALL iq
must be pretty high because they're like going and take
some snaps at center because the center makes a lot of,
(19:17):
calls and so he must be able to assimilate, quickly you,
know new, information new, offenses new, schemes and that's a good.
SIGN i think that never, Never, REALLY i don't know
this for. SURE i, MEAN i don't. Know they didn't list.
It he played any, games But i'm not sure if
he took any practice snaps at center was At, Miami.
Florida but for him to do that at The Senior
bowl against really good, competition even you, know in, practices
(19:40):
he's going against the best in college. Football That's Senior.
Bowl it's the all star game of all star. Games
and then in the game go out and perform and
not look like you don't. Belong it says something about
the guy in his.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
Versatility their sixth and final pick was running Back Taj
brooks out Of Texas. TECH i thought they would take
a running back at some point because this was such
a great year for running. Backs the talent was too
good to just completely ignore. Them AND i can vouch
For Taj. Brooks he had one hundred and seventy two
yards AGAINST uc last, year fifteen hundred plus each of
(20:16):
the last two. Years he's five ten two twenty, strong
good at breaking, tackles has the ability to catch the
ball out of the. Backfield to, me great guy To
grabb in the sixth, round.
Speaker 3 (20:28):
WELL i know you know what you're looking at from
a football, standpoint and for your have to have that
kind of recommendation about this kid that's obviously a good
pick at the sixth, round AND i agree with. You
running back was you, know AS i was looking at
who they're going to. Take you, know in day, three,
(20:49):
boy there's still a lot of running backs out, there
and at the, combine thirty one. Guys thirty one running
backs show up at the, combine and that's how the
combine was over and looking at. Stuff how they tested
ten to a dozen warranted second looks in my, opinion you,
know including this guy and a few. Others so, yeah
(21:12):
it's when you can get a guy this caliber in
the sixth. ROUND i mean that that that is picked
one hundred and ninety. THREE i, BET i bet if
you said, That Tis, brooks you're going to be picked
one ninety three in this year's. Draft in twenty twenty,
five if he would have looked at you, like what
what have you been? Smoking? Man what's what's wrong with?
You so, again it's like there are so many of,
(21:34):
them and not just the running back. Position this draft.
Had in my, OPINION i don't know how Many Pro
bowlers it's going to. Have you never. Know you can't
Forecast pro. BOWLERS i don't think you. Know it's it's
it's it's very. Difficult but it has so many good football.
Players and the running back position may have had from
(21:55):
a ratio, standpoint as many good football players as any
position group in the. Draft so to have a guy like,
that she'll be. Around i'd pick one ninety. THREE i
bet The bengals in the room are, like let's let's
get this done before anybody realizes this is a brink.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Robbery all, right let's wrap things. Up this draft reminds
me of the twenty twenty draft To Joe burrow, draft
not that they drafted anybody Like. Joe that happens, once you,
know in a franchise's, history or maybe a few times
in a franchise's. History but the way that they are
similar is the character. Qualities in twenty, twenty every player
(22:35):
that they took except FOR T higgins was a team,
captain AND t would have been had he Stated clemson
for one more. Year very similar this time. Around these
guys have great, character very engaging, personalities good. Backstories Demetrius
knight is a married father of. TWO i really think
(22:55):
they leaned heavily on the character aspect this.
Speaker 3 (22:58):
YEAR i couldn't agree with you more or you, know
and you look at it that they're all, leaders they're
all passionate about the game of. FOOTBALL i we talked
about the game of football is very important to, them
and you, know you have to have some nasty in,
you and particularly the the guys in the trenches and the,
(23:18):
linebackers and they've got appropriate nasty in. Them you. Know
it's it's like the. Game they're they're all, physical like you,
said they're all, competitive they're all got high FOOTBALL. Iq
as you said. CAPTAINS i think the the overwhelming common
(23:38):
denominator for me and a lot of these picks in
the draft is character and football. Character and they're, different
but you, know there's some traits that are, similar but
football character is a little bit a little bit different
because you, know you're you have to be, physical you
(24:00):
have to be, competitive you have to try, to you,
know beat the other guy at all costs kind of.
Thing and you, know there are some things going out,
there hand in hand combat where if we're out in
the streets and with the general, public to be a
warrant for your, arrest you, know and. That but that's
but guys that can compete at that level within their
(24:22):
framework of the rules of the of the game and
everything that that's high football. Character and when and when
they get recognized for their leadership qualities and they become,
captains you, KNOW i think that's a big. Deal and,
AGAIN i Think zach is building a hell of a
culture and these guys are going to add to. It
and we talked about it a little, Earlier, dan it's
(24:43):
a it's a destination that guys want to be a part.
Of Joe burrow is a big factor in. THAT i,
mean this guy is he's. Special he's he's a special,
player a special. Person and you know the two wide
receivers that they, resign you, Know chas And, higgins it's
LIKE gasicki sign him at the tight end. Position what
he can? Do you, know Fair child is somebody that
(25:06):
he couldn't have gone to a better. Team he'll be
the first to tell you that his pass protection is
a cut above is run blocking right. Now it's not
like he can't run, block but he is an unbelievable
pass protector because of his balance due to, wrestling and you,
know two time state, champion AND i mean he's, flexible
he's he's got a. Balance and you, KNOW i like
(25:27):
that picked in because you know that will solidify the.
Pocket you, know it'll it'll keep it. Firm if You
Joe brow a firm, pocket damage will be. Done SO i,
MEAN i, LIKE i like a lot of these picks
for a lot of. Reasons AND i know the naysayers
out there are, like, yeah, WELL i don't have a
problem with how they addressed the, draft and you shouldn't
(25:48):
because they basically did what they said they were going to.
Do you, know we're gonna get better in the. Middle
we're going to address the interior the offensive, line going
to address the interior the defensive line, linebackers and they
did that for the most. Part people's gripe is is
it the right? People AND i mean, that you, know
everybody will Tell, yeah everybody has an, opinion but nobody
(26:08):
knows for sure right. Now that's for.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
Sure that's always the case with the. Draft final. Thing
the guy who has the biggest impact as a rookie
and the guy who has the greatest Career i'll say
impact is a Rookie Dylan. FAIRCHILD i mean they've more
or less said the left guard job is his unless
something goes wrong between now and the start of the.
Season best career hard to not Take Shamar stewart. THERE
(26:34):
i think the floor on his career Is Sam. Hubbard solid,
pro maybe never makes A Pro bowl or has double digit,
sacks but he's going to help you win a lot of.
Games and the ceiling is close To Miles. GARRETT i,
mean will he be that? Good that's impossible to. Say
Miles garrett was the first pick in the. DRAFT Nfl
(26:55):
defensive player of The, year you could never say. That
but he's got the same side, speed athletic. Ability if
he's deployed properly and coached, well he can be a
multi Time pro.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Bowler, YEAH i agree with your, selections stand you, KNOW
i mean these guys are drafted on the higher end
of it for a. Reason from an initial, standpoint you,
know from a, contribution it's going to be very interesting
to see what they do With Shamar stewart because he
is another case of unbelievably. Versatile he can play in
(27:30):
rush outside obviously it can be a wide, nine or you,
know he can get on the shoulder of the tackle
and rush and then kick inside and do the same
thing with a guard getting on the shoulder or just you,
know inside on him or right over him in bull,
him and he can he can really do almost anything
they're lining up in the run in the. PAST i
mean he. Is he's a puzzling guy because, man when
(27:51):
you look at his physical, attributes it doesn't add up to,
production you, know but you, wonder is how much of
it related to? Scheme are they asking him to do
something that isn't conducive to him displaying his amazing gifts
or is It you know a guy that has thirty
(28:11):
nine pressures in this year and converts it to one
and a half. Sacks it just makes you scratch your.
Head but with, him a lot of times you look
and he's within an arm grab of a guy because
of his athletic. Ability guys can't get as close as
he gets because they can't they don't have that kind
of burst and acceleration and closing. Speed SO i, mean
(28:32):
it's almost like you have to have separate. CATEGORIES i,
mean is that really a miss sack or is that
just a freak that you, Know oh my, gosh you
shouldn't have been there. Anyway and THEN i don't, know
maybe you know a different coaching staff approaching it differently with.
Him ALL i know is this. Guy if somebody said to,
(28:53):
me your opponent this week is a massive man, SIZE i,
wait he also has a forty inch vertical. Jump he
also broad jumps almost you, know eleven feet ten feet eleven.
Inches you got to be kidding. Me so IT'S i
think there's a lot of meat on the, bone there's
(29:14):
a lot to there's he's a. Sending there's upside and
that that's going to be interesting to. SEE i think
he will make an. Impact will he, start who, knows
but he'll be part of. PACKAGES i, mean he's gonna.
Play he's gonna, play and as he, improves will his
career arc you, know take him to down the. Road
(29:36):
is he going to be the? Guy and they Like Demetrius?
KNIGHT i, mean how do you not like that? Dude
the interview you did with him was like you've known
each other for a. While you, know he's just one
of those guys and smart guy family. MAN i know
for a, fact WHEN i was a, rookie one thing
(29:57):
that helped me WAS i was, married and, uh you,
know the next YEAR i had a. Child but he's
already married with two kids and just being. MARRIED i, said,
MAN i got responsibilities. HERE i have to be, dependable, reliable.
ACCOUNTABLE i can't go out raising hell and you, KNOW
i got to take care of business. Here this guy
(30:18):
is going to be serious about the game of, football
and uh you know he's he already. Is AND i
think he's that dude's got some long. Arms, Man it's
like he's a condoor or. Something it's. Crazy and he
was a, quarterback so he's. Athletic he hasn't played linebacker
all that, long so his ascension can be quick and
(30:40):
and uh pretty. HIGH i like. HIM i like him
for a lot of. REASONS i can see why when
the coaches interviewed, him are you kidding? Me this dude
he's a plus in Our lark. Room BUT i agree
with you About. Fairchild you, KNOW i THINK i Think
fairchild is going to be a guy that will have
an impact this. Year will he started let? Guard he,
(31:00):
Might he's in the. BATTLE i, mean you got a good.
Shot if he, doesn't will he be giving them good? Steps?
YEAH i think he. Will and you, KNOW i think
that he is a, high high level pass. Protector two
years in THE sec to give up one quarterback sack
and a two year spanning in THE, sec so you,
know all the things we talked about earlier with. Him his.
(31:23):
Balance you, know if he does get taken off, balance
his recovery is unbelievable because of the. Wrestling that was
the thing WITH. Crimrai it's, like, OH i, think, NO
i don't have. HIM i have a gun, man you,
know and uh it's it's not like he's a horrible run.
Blocker AND i think he'll get he'll get better with.
(31:44):
That but his his lateral side to side, Movement dan
we had we used to have a drill where there'd
be you, know cones ten yards apart and a defensive
lineman would be changing direction and you had to mirror
him we called it Mirror dodge, drill and you, know
we had some pretty quick defensive. Linemen Like Mike reeder was,
(32:04):
like oh my, god how AM i going to stay
with this? Guy? Laterally AND i didn't do all of
that great with, him BUT i mean it was, like
as AS i got, BETTER i, Thought, man this guy's
really he's really helping my lateral. Equipments. Here this guy
his lateral. MOVEMENT i think that's why he's such. Good Pastor.
Stout he anchors because of, wrestling bending at the, knees
(32:25):
not at the, waist so he's getting the pad level
low in a good form and then, man he can
move side to. Side Joe burrow's gonna love. HIM i
think The pocket's gonna be a lot. Firmer.
Speaker 1 (32:35):
MAN i Think Dave lapham's gonna love him. Too and
my final thought is THAT i just hope That Demetrius
knight's wife and kids are just as delightful As Lynn
lapham And dave And.
Speaker 3 (32:47):
Sarah you're too kind and NOW i know Why lynn
loves you so. Much yeah That i'll tell you. THOUGH i,
mean every day when you when you come, home it's
it's like you realize there's a responsibility. Here you, know
it's not just about you for, you it's it's you
Got you got a lot more important things to think
(33:10):
about and make sure you take care. Of that's for.
Sure And i'm telling, YOU i guarantee. You Demetrius knight
is a hell of a husband and hell of a.
Dad you just it oozes out of, him you. KNOW i,
mean he's one of those guys you just when you
feel like you've known him for a, while when you
(33:30):
sit down with him the first.
Speaker 1 (33:31):
Time coming up On, Monday i'll have a one on
one conversation with The Bengals director Of College, Scouting Mike,
potts And i'm guessing we'll get some good nuggets from
The bengals war. Room that's going to do it for
The Bengals booth podcast brought to you by Pay, Corps
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(33:55):
business and community to a new, level and By kettering
Health care for the best. Fans Kettering health is the
official healthcare provider of The. Bengals if you haven't done so,
already please subscribe to this podcast and if you have a,
minute give it a rating or share a comment that
helps More bengals fans find. Us I'm Dan hord and
(34:17):
thanks for listening to The Bengals booth podcast
Hi again everybody. I'm Dan Hord and thanks for downloading
the Bengals Booth Podcast the cause you know I love
the player's addition. As we introduce you to the three
players taken on Day three of the draft and sum
up the class of twenty twenty five. The Bengals Booth
Podcast is brought to you by pay Corps, Proud to
(00:24):
be the Bengals official HR software provider, by All to
Fiber future proof Fiber Internet designed to elevate your home,
business and community to a new level, and by Kettering
Health the best care for the best fans. Kettering Health
is the official healthcare provider of the Bengals. Now here's
a quick reminder that you can have the latest edition
(00:44):
of this podcast delivered write to your phone, tablet or
computer by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. It's the
greatest thing since TV coverage of the NFL Draft. The
first draft ever televised was the Anthony munyoft in nineteen eighty.
A six month old all sports cable network desperate for
(01:06):
programming named ESPN figured that the draft would draw a
few eyeballs. The first round was on a Tuesday afternoon
and there were no fans in attendance. It was basically
a bunch of people sitting around phones. Forty five years later,
it's a three day extravaganza that hundreds of thousands of
people attend in person and millions more watch on TV.
(01:30):
In fact, this year's first round averaged thirteen point six
million viewers, the second most watched first round ever, the
only one that topped it the Joe Burrow Draft in
twenty twenty. Now, let's get to the Bengals Day three selections.
In the fourth round, Cincinnati picked linebacker Barrett Carter out
(01:52):
of Clemson. Carter was a three year starter for the
Tigers and a captain last year. He's a little undersized
in terms of height at six feet, but he's a
solid two hundred and thirty two pounds with excellent speed,
and he rarely came off the field, including special team's duty.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden says that Carter made a great
(02:13):
impression when they met face to face at the NFL combine.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
First of all, it wasn't canned, you know, it wasn't practice.
I thought it was really the word that I wrote
down on my notes was authentic, you know, just the
the relationship that he had with his pastor you know,
back home and four point zero GPA team captain. You know,
(02:40):
we have a sign down here in our weight room,
you know, fat pH a T and he's that. So
he's he's a guy that you know, is a culture
creator and he'll improve ours. He's a guy that we
had high regard for, had grades higher than the current round.
(03:02):
UH could play stack linebacker, gives us four down value,
early downs, third down and UH special teams Team Captain
green dot UH four oh g p A just a
family oriented guy.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
UH.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Just a really impressive human being.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
UH.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
And he's gonna have an immediate impact for us. We're
too deep at linebacker now in terms of if we're
playing four to two, UH, we still need some help
in terms of if we're playing bass with you know
four three structure. So I just feel like, you know,
we we have you know, six seven linebackers. I think
(03:38):
we have more ends now. So I think we've fortified
a bunch of positions. And it just gives me a
sense of Okay, now we can UH plot the course
when the crossroads of UH evaluation and opportunity UH meet
UH in terms of need meeting opportunity. You know, theres
(04:00):
a need and the evaluation was high. It's hard to
pass up that prospect.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
By the way, Elle made a reference to the letters
P H A T that are on the wall in
the Bengals weight room. They stand for physical, Hungry, accountable teammate.
We spoke to Carter after he was selected and got
his reaction to being chosen by the Bengals in round four.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
I was not anticipating it at all. You know, I
was just trying to take in everything, just pick my pick.
And you know, I saw something on the clock, and
you know, I was I was hoping for it, but
you know what I mean, you never know what the
draft and I see my phone light up and I
answer the call, and you know, here we are. So
I'm super, super blessed to be a part of it
and just I'm ready to you know, get get to
(04:44):
work and you know, you know, go win some games.
So I'm super excited.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
Fears a profile of you were you removed the defense
as a sophomore and that you quote unquote hated it.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
What did you hate about that move? Are you grateful
now that they made that move? Yeah? So that was
my That was the end of my freshman year of
high school, and I just I'd grown up playing receiver
and running back really my whole life, and you know,
they moved me the linebacker, and I was I was
super mad about it. I thought I was I'm from Chicaga,
and I thought I was gonna be the next Devin Hester,
so something like that, and then moved me to defense,
(05:14):
and I was pissed off. I wanted to quit football,
but the next day I got my.
Speaker 6 (05:18):
First scholarship offer.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
So God wore some mysterious ways and that showed me
that right there. But you know, I've grown to love
defense and I wouldn't want to play any other side
of the ball, and I wouldn't want to play any
other position.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Defensive coordinator Al Golden spoke about your interview in Indianapolis
and he described it as authentic and that you didn't
sound coached. How did you approach those one on one
meetings with NFL teams?
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Yeah, you know, I walked into my interviews and I
just I just I was just being myself.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
I didn't want to put up a put up a
front and anything or you know, try to be something
that I'm not, you know, God gave me my DNA,
my finger print, and no one else has the same
finger print. And I stand by that and I live
by that. So I walked into every single room just
being myself. I'm a confident, humble, smart young man, and
you know that's that's that's why, that's what I tried
(06:06):
to be in every single interview. So I'm glad. I
guess I left a good impression.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
What made you an effective and good team captain?
Speaker 4 (06:15):
I would say the number one thing that I lead
with love, and I don't I don't just you know,
attach myself to the starters or the other linebackers or
the other like like other good players, like I don't
care like what your role is or who you are.
I'm gonna treat you like you're the most important player
or whoever you are. So I mean, it didn't matter
(06:36):
if you were a walk on who never touched a
field or if you were the starting quarterback, like I
approach you the same.
Speaker 6 (06:41):
I didn't talk to you any differently.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
And I think that you know, seeing that authenticity, that genuine,
that genuine love and care, I think that's why you
know my teammates voting your team captain. So I would
say that's the number one thing.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
In the fifth round, the Bengals selected offensive lineman Jalen
Rivers out of the University of Miami. He's six' six
roughly three hundred and twenty pounds and helped protect the
number one pick in this year's, draft Cam ward And
rivers is. Versatile this past, season he played three hundred
and sixty four snaps at left tackle and two hundred
(07:15):
nineteen snaps at left, guard often playing both in the same.
Game here's offensive Coordinator Dan. Pitcher really impressive, guy.
Speaker 7 (07:26):
Very, smart physically, gifted, versatile has has really played just
about an equal share of his snaps at guard and,
tackle oftentimes within game playing guard and.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Tackle so that.
Speaker 7 (07:41):
Versatility really speaks to the VALUE i think he'll provide
us at this. Level adding a super high character, guy great,
length very good pass. Protector had him here in the
building on a visit and couldn't have been more impressed
with him as a. Person we've just added talent to that.
Speaker 6 (07:59):
Room we've got.
Speaker 7 (08:00):
Better we feel really good about, that and it is
key that as you're adding guys who you expect to
compete potentially serve is depth pieces at least initially that
they have that versatility and So jalen has that and it'll.
Speaker 6 (08:14):
Prove valuable for.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Us my third round Pick Dylan fairchild looking like the
front runner to start at left. Guard rivers figures to
primarily be a backup tackle with the ability to play
guard if.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Needed, Oh i'm extremely excited to be a part of this.
Program this PROGRAM i visited and taught to coaches And
i've been watching for a long. Time So i'm excited
to be a part of a building organization and a
team that's going to be, great And i'm just another
addition to. It SO i mean, Quite i'm an ecstatic right.
Now lost For.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
Wards did you have several thirty visits and when The
bengals brought you, in did you make or did that
make you think that this was a real?
Speaker 6 (08:53):
Possibility the being was my only thirty, visit but DEFINITELY
i did feel OF i didn't feel the sense of
AFTER i leave in, There i'm, LIKE i definitely feel
like this is a great fit for, me AND i
feel like they viewed me the, same and of course
the show today being picked by, them but that was
my only thirty visit and like they get that sense of,
(09:14):
like you KNOW i, COULD i can definitely be.
Speaker 7 (09:16):
Here what did you learn about playing offensive line through
your through your experience blocking front Of lye quarterback And.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
Cam, Mooreton, well definitely you got to hold off your.
Block you don't have a, time you, know clocking your
head with. Him you got a lot and to make these.
Plays and if that's holding the ball for aid or you,
know let him do his thing to get guys open
and make, plays then you gotta just give him that.
Time so it was important for all of us to
get our quarterback and my head and you keep them.
(09:44):
Clean you, know we try our, best but we take
pride in blocking for a quarterback that puts himself or
puts others before himself as. Well and you know he's
a great leader to you, know for us At miami
when we're at, there and then now he's gonna be
a great addition to his program's with The. Titans but
just great guy to block. Four and it feels great
(10:04):
to want a block four quarterback like. That and now
blocking For Joe, burrow so you got a tradition that
mindset with him as.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Well The bengal sixth and final pick taken in the
sixth round was running Back Taj brooks out Of Texas.
Tech in an extremely deep running back, Class brooks was
among the most. Productive he was eighth in the nation
and rushing this year with fifteen hundred and five yards
and fourth in the country the year before with fifteen
(10:32):
hundred and forty. One Here's Zach, taylor.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
Tough great lateral, quickness good ball skills you, know can
protect for us as. Well so really just a really
good all round. Player you, know our running back coach knew.
Him justin hild knew him from the recruiting process years,
ago and so again these are there was a good.
Class towser is one that we were really really high
on from a scouts and coaches, perspective and so for
(10:57):
him to be there in the sixth round we got,
him we were really hockey that he fell to a step.
Point we have a good mix of running backs in
our room right. Now you, know to answer your, QUESTION
i think all shapes and, sizes all. Abilities so it's really,
good really good to get a mix of those guys in.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
There brooks is a five to nine low center of
gravity bowling ball with four or five, speed and another Team.
Captain head Coach Joey maguire called him as good of
a person as there is on this. Planet here's the
twenty three year old running back.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
Blessed that the, organization The bengal organizations gave me that drafted.
Speaker 5 (11:35):
Me it was.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
AWESOME i put a smile to my face and the
running me in and running bass clothes go very. Well
he was a guy that recruited me in college And
i'm GLAD i got to be back with. Him how
would you describe the styles of. RUNNING i feel Like
i'm all on the. Back i'm very. Versatile i'll guess
about out of the. BACKSHIELD i can. Run i'm very
explosive in a run, game AND i can do AND
i have very violent hands and Passbo that's something you
(11:57):
see on my tape a lot and very blessing about.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
It, gosh what made you so productive your last two?
Years over fifteen hundred yards each season and also one
hundred and ninety nine yards past receiving this.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Year i'll feel like what made me so productive is
just the consistency you see on take the violets and
how running my runs. OFF i don't let one person taking.
Me that's Something i've just you, know built over my
career and being in the past. GAME i feel LIKE
i have the best hands on a. FIELD i feel
LIKE i feel LIKE i have the best hands in
the running back. Class so that's just how the attitude
(12:32):
That i'll bring towards an, organization you, know in just
the past game and just being explosive that.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
WAY A draft overview With Zach taylor And Dave lapham
is still to, come but, first a quick reminder that
The Bengals booth podcast is brought to you By Paid,
corps proud to be The Bengals OFFICIAL hr software, provider
by Aulta fiber Future Proof Fiber internet designed to elevate your,
home business and community to a new, level and By
Kettering health the Best care for The Best. Fans health
(13:00):
is the official healthcare provider of The. Bengals now here's
a big picture look at the class of twenty twenty
five From Zach.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
TAYLOR i think the theme is they love. Football you,
know you're really all six of these guys as you've
gotten to know, them some might know better than. Others
but that's what you took away, is, man these they
just love talking. Football they've been around, football they'll have
been around their. Teammates they made huge impacts on the
programs that they were, at you, know and by a huge,
IMPACT i mean not only on the, field but the
(13:29):
way that people talked about them off the. Field you
could feel that the impact they made, there and that
means something to. Use, man we can put a depth
chart out there and feel, like feel really good about
where we're. At that's a big piece that helps us
sleep well at night right. Now and guys that we're excited.
About you. Know so we already had guys currently on
the roster that really got us, excited and then you
(13:51):
get to add these three on defense that we just
added and feel really good. About, now let's go implement
the scheme and get guys comfortable and go.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
POINTBALL i had the, last but not least time to
bring in my broadcast, Partner Dave. Lapham All, right, lap
let's start with fourth round draft Pick Barrett carter out Of.
Clemson they doubled down on the linebacker. Position this guy's
got good. CREDENTIALS a three year starter for The, tigers
he was a. Captain he rarely came off the, field
(14:19):
whether it was defense or special. TEAMS i would imagine
he'll certainly play a special teams role right. AWAY i
read in one report a scout from another team gave
him a second round. Grade so The bengals weren't the
only team that thought highly Of Barrett.
Speaker 6 (14:33):
Carter.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
YEAH i, mean he's he's an athletic, guy stout, guy
six two and thirty, pounds and you, know he can.
Run that's that's the thing that that impressed me up
and down the. Draft they do their homework in that
regard and you, watch you watch. Tape he's. Slippery you,
know he's a guy that you know that doesn't stay.
(14:54):
Blocked he's he's somebody that he had success with me. Captain,
obviously he's a, leader and that's the thing that we've
talked about, Earlier, dan the leadership and the integrity from
a personal, standpoint the people standpoint of this football, team
(15:14):
of these guys they drafted to try to make the
football team is. INCREDIBLE i, mean this kid was A
Buckers award, finalist you, know AND i think he will
be a like a sub package candidate like you're talking.
About he can run in special, teams it will be a.
Factor he had two undred and fifty three. Tackles he
had thirty three tackles for loss in his, career a
(15:35):
couple of passes broken. Up it Wasn't they didn't blitz
him a whole. Lot he didn't pressure the quarterback. Much
twelve and a half, sacks three, interceptions three fumble, recoveries
two forced. Funnels SO i mean he was a stat sheets.
Stuffer he. Did he did a little, bit a little
bit of everything For. Clemson first guy to everwhere number
zero for The Clemson. Tigers so obviously they like his skill,
(16:00):
set the fact that he was a, captain a, leader
highly regarded by his. Teammates and the, thing the thing
that impresses me about every one of these draft, picks
And i'm sure the when the coaches interviewed him and
when the organizational people interviewed, him you can see or
even see and hear how important the game is to these.
(16:23):
Guys you, know it's you, know they're they're they're in
it for the right. Reasons AND i think the culture
that is being built here is not being damaged whatsoever
by bringing any of these guys into the.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
Mix so they doubled down at linebacker in the fourth,
round and then they doubled down on offensive line in
the fifth when they Took Jalen rivers out of The
university Of. Miami this is a guy who basically split
his time between tackle and guard for The, hurricanes dabbled
in center at The Senior. BOWL i don't think people
expecting to play center in THE, Nfl but when you
take an offensive lineman in the fifth, round you're probably
(17:00):
not expecting him to be a starter right, away but
you are hoping he can be an important reserve right.
Away and having that versatility between tackle and guard is.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
Big it Is. Dan you, know here's a guy that
uh sixty, six three hundred and twenty pounds almost a
thirty five inch arm, length so you, know his wingspan
is enormous as. Well he had ten starts at left,
guard twenty one excuse, me at left, tackle and twenty one.
Speaker 6 (17:29):
Start.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
No twenty one starts at left, tackle ten starts at left.
Guard that's how it broke. Down when you look at this,
GUY i wouldn't call him, athletic BUT i would call
him fundamentally and technically. Sound and it's, repetitive you, know
it's not like every snap he's doing something. DIFFERENT i
(17:50):
mean the guy has it down in terms of how
he wants to approach blocking people to the line of.
Scrimmage and as big as he, IS i, mean he
reminds me of like you, know A Bruce raymers type
of guy back in the, day just eclipses the. SUN i,
mean he takes up so much, space so much. ROOM
i could see, him you, know competing at both, positions
(18:12):
and like you, say not necessarily a starting. Role but
like we talked about earlier, today every offensive lineman in today's,
game unless you're you, know a stud pro bowl guard
or tackle and you're going to stay, there you have
to be able to have a position. Versatility you've got
to be able to move. Around and game day there's
(18:35):
not ten, linemen you, know so somebody is going to
have to potentially do a little bit more than one
position if there's, injuries god, forbid or if you want
to give somebody a break or A blosso a guy
like that who's, proven you, know at a high Level
Miami florida football is pretty. Good and you, know for
him to have double digit starts at both left guard
(18:56):
and left tackle in his career and, then like you,
said dabbled at, center at The Senior. Bowl it tells
you something about the kid that when the coaches at
The Senior bowl were working with, him his FOOTBALL iq
must be pretty high because they're like going and take
some snaps at center because the center makes a lot of,
(19:17):
calls and so he must be able to assimilate, quickly you,
know new, information new, offenses new, schemes and that's a good.
SIGN i think that never, Never, REALLY i don't know
this for. SURE i, MEAN i don't. Know they didn't list.
It he played any, games But i'm not sure if
he took any practice snaps at center was At, Miami.
Florida but for him to do that at The Senior
bowl against really good, competition even you, know in, practices
(19:40):
he's going against the best in college. Football That's Senior.
Bowl it's the all star game of all star. Games
and then in the game go out and perform and
not look like you don't. Belong it says something about
the guy in his.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
Versatility their sixth and final pick was running Back Taj
brooks out Of Texas. TECH i thought they would take
a running back at some point because this was such
a great year for running. Backs the talent was too
good to just completely ignore. Them AND i can vouch
For Taj. Brooks he had one hundred and seventy two
yards AGAINST uc last, year fifteen hundred plus each of
(20:16):
the last two. Years he's five ten two twenty, strong
good at breaking, tackles has the ability to catch the
ball out of the. Backfield to, me great guy To
grabb in the sixth, round.
Speaker 3 (20:28):
WELL i know you know what you're looking at from
a football, standpoint and for your have to have that
kind of recommendation about this kid that's obviously a good
pick at the sixth, round AND i agree with. You
running back was you, know AS i was looking at
who they're going to. Take you, know in day, three,
(20:49):
boy there's still a lot of running backs out, there
and at the, combine thirty one. Guys thirty one running
backs show up at the, combine and that's how the
combine was over and looking at. Stuff how they tested
ten to a dozen warranted second looks in my, opinion you,
know including this guy and a few. Others so, yeah
(21:12):
it's when you can get a guy this caliber in
the sixth. ROUND i mean that that that is picked
one hundred and ninety. THREE i, BET i bet if
you said, That Tis, brooks you're going to be picked
one ninety three in this year's. Draft in twenty twenty,
five if he would have looked at you, like what
what have you been? Smoking? Man what's what's wrong with?
You so, again it's like there are so many of,
(21:34):
them and not just the running back. Position this draft.
Had in my, OPINION i don't know how Many Pro
bowlers it's going to. Have you never. Know you can't
Forecast pro. BOWLERS i don't think you. Know it's it's
it's it's very. Difficult but it has so many good football.
Players and the running back position may have had from
(21:55):
a ratio, standpoint as many good football players as any
position group in the. Draft so to have a guy like,
that she'll be. Around i'd pick one ninety. THREE i
bet The bengals in the room are, like let's let's
get this done before anybody realizes this is a brink.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Robbery all, right let's wrap things. Up this draft reminds
me of the twenty twenty draft To Joe burrow, draft
not that they drafted anybody Like. Joe that happens, once you,
know in a franchise's, history or maybe a few times
in a franchise's. History but the way that they are
similar is the character. Qualities in twenty, twenty every player
(22:35):
that they took except FOR T higgins was a team,
captain AND t would have been had he Stated clemson
for one more. Year very similar this time. Around these
guys have great, character very engaging, personalities good. Backstories Demetrius
knight is a married father of. TWO i really think
(22:55):
they leaned heavily on the character aspect this.
Speaker 3 (22:58):
YEAR i couldn't agree with you more or you, know
and you look at it that they're all, leaders they're
all passionate about the game of. FOOTBALL i we talked
about the game of football is very important to, them
and you, know you have to have some nasty in,
you and particularly the the guys in the trenches and the,
(23:18):
linebackers and they've got appropriate nasty in. Them you. Know
it's it's like the. Game they're they're all, physical like you,
said they're all, competitive they're all got high FOOTBALL. Iq
as you said. CAPTAINS i think the the overwhelming common
(23:38):
denominator for me and a lot of these picks in
the draft is character and football. Character and they're, different
but you, know there's some traits that are, similar but
football character is a little bit a little bit different
because you, know you're you have to be, physical you
(24:00):
have to be, competitive you have to try, to you,
know beat the other guy at all costs kind of.
Thing and you, know there are some things going out,
there hand in hand combat where if we're out in
the streets and with the general, public to be a
warrant for your, arrest you, know and. That but that's
but guys that can compete at that level within their
(24:22):
framework of the rules of the of the game and
everything that that's high football. Character and when and when
they get recognized for their leadership qualities and they become,
captains you, KNOW i think that's a big. Deal and,
AGAIN i Think zach is building a hell of a
culture and these guys are going to add to. It
and we talked about it a little, Earlier, dan it's
(24:43):
a it's a destination that guys want to be a part.
Of Joe burrow is a big factor in. THAT i,
mean this guy is he's. Special he's he's a special,
player a special. Person and you know the two wide
receivers that they, resign you, Know chas And, higgins it's
LIKE gasicki sign him at the tight end. Position what
he can? Do you, know Fair child is somebody that
(25:06):
he couldn't have gone to a better. Team he'll be
the first to tell you that his pass protection is
a cut above is run blocking right. Now it's not
like he can't run, block but he is an unbelievable
pass protector because of his balance due to, wrestling and you,
know two time state, champion AND i mean he's, flexible
he's he's got a. Balance and you, KNOW i like
(25:27):
that picked in because you know that will solidify the.
Pocket you, know it'll it'll keep it. Firm if You
Joe brow a firm, pocket damage will be. Done SO i,
MEAN i, LIKE i like a lot of these picks
for a lot of. Reasons AND i know the naysayers
out there are, like, yeah, WELL i don't have a
problem with how they addressed the, draft and you shouldn't
(25:48):
because they basically did what they said they were going to.
Do you, know we're gonna get better in the. Middle
we're going to address the interior the offensive, line going
to address the interior the defensive line, linebackers and they
did that for the most. Part people's gripe is is
it the right? People AND i mean, that you, know
everybody will Tell, yeah everybody has an, opinion but nobody
(26:08):
knows for sure right. Now that's for.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
Sure that's always the case with the. Draft final. Thing
the guy who has the biggest impact as a rookie
and the guy who has the greatest Career i'll say
impact is a Rookie Dylan. FAIRCHILD i mean they've more
or less said the left guard job is his unless
something goes wrong between now and the start of the.
Season best career hard to not Take Shamar stewart. THERE
(26:34):
i think the floor on his career Is Sam. Hubbard solid,
pro maybe never makes A Pro bowl or has double digit,
sacks but he's going to help you win a lot of.
Games and the ceiling is close To Miles. GARRETT i,
mean will he be that? Good that's impossible to. Say
Miles garrett was the first pick in the. DRAFT Nfl
(26:55):
defensive player of The, year you could never say. That
but he's got the same side, speed athletic. Ability if
he's deployed properly and coached, well he can be a
multi Time pro.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
Bowler, YEAH i agree with your, selections stand you, KNOW
i mean these guys are drafted on the higher end
of it for a. Reason from an initial, standpoint you,
know from a, contribution it's going to be very interesting
to see what they do With Shamar stewart because he
is another case of unbelievably. Versatile he can play in
(27:30):
rush outside obviously it can be a wide, nine or you,
know he can get on the shoulder of the tackle
and rush and then kick inside and do the same
thing with a guard getting on the shoulder or just you,
know inside on him or right over him in bull,
him and he can he can really do almost anything
they're lining up in the run in the. PAST i
mean he. Is he's a puzzling guy because, man when
(27:51):
you look at his physical, attributes it doesn't add up to,
production you, know but you, wonder is how much of
it related to? Scheme are they asking him to do
something that isn't conducive to him displaying his amazing gifts
or is It you know a guy that has thirty
(28:11):
nine pressures in this year and converts it to one
and a half. Sacks it just makes you scratch your.
Head but with, him a lot of times you look
and he's within an arm grab of a guy because
of his athletic. Ability guys can't get as close as
he gets because they can't they don't have that kind
of burst and acceleration and closing. Speed SO i, mean
(28:32):
it's almost like you have to have separate. CATEGORIES i,
mean is that really a miss sack or is that
just a freak that you, Know oh my, gosh you
shouldn't have been there. Anyway and THEN i don't, know
maybe you know a different coaching staff approaching it differently with.
Him ALL i know is this. Guy if somebody said to,
(28:53):
me your opponent this week is a massive man, SIZE i,
wait he also has a forty inch vertical. Jump he
also broad jumps almost you, know eleven feet ten feet eleven.
Inches you got to be kidding. Me so IT'S i
think there's a lot of meat on the, bone there's
(29:14):
a lot to there's he's a. Sending there's upside and
that that's going to be interesting to. SEE i think
he will make an. Impact will he, start who, knows
but he'll be part of. PACKAGES i, mean he's gonna.
Play he's gonna, play and as he, improves will his
career arc you, know take him to down the. Road
(29:36):
is he going to be the? Guy and they Like Demetrius?
KNIGHT i, mean how do you not like that? Dude
the interview you did with him was like you've known
each other for a. While you, know he's just one
of those guys and smart guy family. MAN i know
for a, fact WHEN i was a, rookie one thing
(29:57):
that helped me WAS i was, married and, uh you,
know the next YEAR i had a. Child but he's
already married with two kids and just being. MARRIED i, said,
MAN i got responsibilities. HERE i have to be, dependable, reliable.
ACCOUNTABLE i can't go out raising hell and you, KNOW
i got to take care of business. Here this guy
(30:18):
is going to be serious about the game of, football
and uh you know he's he already. Is AND i
think he's that dude's got some long. Arms, Man it's
like he's a condoor or. Something it's. Crazy and he
was a, quarterback so he's. Athletic he hasn't played linebacker
all that, long so his ascension can be quick and
(30:40):
and uh pretty. HIGH i like. HIM i like him
for a lot of. REASONS i can see why when
the coaches interviewed, him are you kidding? Me this dude
he's a plus in Our lark. Room BUT i agree
with you About. Fairchild you, KNOW i THINK i Think
fairchild is going to be a guy that will have
an impact this. Year will he started let? Guard he,
(31:00):
Might he's in the. BATTLE i, mean you got a good.
Shot if he, doesn't will he be giving them good? Steps?
YEAH i think he. Will and you, KNOW i think
that he is a, high high level pass. Protector two
years in THE sec to give up one quarterback sack
and a two year spanning in THE, sec so you,
know all the things we talked about earlier with. Him his.
(31:23):
Balance you, know if he does get taken off, balance
his recovery is unbelievable because of the. Wrestling that was
the thing WITH. Crimrai it's, like, OH i, think, NO
i don't have. HIM i have a gun, man you,
know and uh it's it's not like he's a horrible run.
Blocker AND i think he'll get he'll get better with.
(31:44):
That but his his lateral side to side, Movement dan
we had we used to have a drill where there'd
be you, know cones ten yards apart and a defensive
lineman would be changing direction and you had to mirror
him we called it Mirror dodge, drill and you, know
we had some pretty quick defensive. Linemen Like Mike reeder was,
(32:04):
like oh my, god how AM i going to stay
with this? Guy? Laterally AND i didn't do all of
that great with, him BUT i mean it was, like
as AS i got, BETTER i, Thought, man this guy's
really he's really helping my lateral. Equipments. Here this guy
his lateral. MOVEMENT i think that's why he's such. Good Pastor.
Stout he anchors because of, wrestling bending at the, knees
(32:25):
not at the, waist so he's getting the pad level
low in a good form and then, man he can
move side to. Side Joe burrow's gonna love. HIM i
think The pocket's gonna be a lot. Firmer.
Speaker 1 (32:35):
MAN i Think Dave lapham's gonna love him. Too and
my final thought is THAT i just hope That Demetrius
knight's wife and kids are just as delightful As Lynn
lapham And dave And.
Speaker 3 (32:47):
Sarah you're too kind and NOW i know Why lynn
loves you so. Much yeah That i'll tell you. THOUGH i,
mean every day when you when you come, home it's
it's like you realize there's a responsibility. Here you, know
it's not just about you for, you it's it's you
Got you got a lot more important things to think
(33:10):
about and make sure you take care. Of that's for.
Sure And i'm telling, YOU i guarantee. You Demetrius knight
is a hell of a husband and hell of a.
Dad you just it oozes out of, him you. KNOW i,
mean he's one of those guys you just when you
feel like you've known him for a, while when you
(33:30):
sit down with him the first.
Speaker 1 (33:31):
Time coming up On, Monday i'll have a one on
one conversation with The Bengals director Of College, Scouting Mike,
potts And i'm guessing we'll get some good nuggets from
The bengals war. Room that's going to do it for
The Bengals booth podcast brought to you by Pay, Corps
proud to be The Bengals OFFICIAL hr software, provider By
Alta fiber Future Proof Fiber internet designed to elevate your, home,
(33:55):
business and community to a new, level and By kettering
Health care for the best. Fans Kettering health is the
official healthcare provider of The. Bengals if you haven't done so,
already please subscribe to this podcast and if you have a,
minute give it a rating or share a comment that
helps More bengals fans find. Us I'm Dan hord and
(34:17):
thanks for listening to The Bengals booth podcast
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