2 hours ago, theguru said:

From the NFLPA.  The Bengals have a long way to go, especially on game day and with families. 

The Cincinnati Bengals finish 24th, but to their credit, the club has made significant changes over the last two years. They rebuilt the team’s training room and locker room, and they increased the number of meals provided for their players during the week.

They also hired people with whom the players enjoy working. When asked what the team does best, the players consistently point to the leadership of head coach Zac Taylor and mention the hard-working support staff.

There are still a few areas where the team lags behind the rest of the league. First, the players want to see continued improvements to the food program, including a full-time dietitian to maximize their training, and an even greater number of meals provided for them at the facility.

Another major concern is the lack of support for players’ families. The Bengals are one of only three teams without gameday daycare, one of 10 without a family room, and the only team in the league to provide neither. They also score very low on the quality of the post-game family area, and the number of family events the team organizes remains low.

https://nflpa.com/report-cards/2025/cincinnati-bengals

You would think that the Bengals would be addressing those family and food issues with the new stadium renovations.  I'm thinking the increase in the price of my season tickets alone would pay for it.?

3 minutes ago, nkypete said:

You would think that the Bengals would be addressing those family and food issues with the new stadium renovations.  I'm thinking the increase in the price of my season tickets alone would pay for it.?

In the grand scheme of things those items/asks sound pretty inexpensive. Ten days a year of daycare, maybe 20K there, and better food, maybe 100K a year there.  Seems silly to take those kinds of hits when you are running a gazillion dollar business. 

The salary cap has essentially doubled in ten years, no way that is sustainable. 

Mock Draft from The Sporting News.

22 hours ago, theguru said:

Mock Draft from The Sporting News.

If that is how the board falls. I would want Peter Woods then. 

Seeing a reported Risner deal out there for 1-year at $5M.  Love this move by the Bengals and like that it didn’t drag out the entire off season.  

On 2/27/2026 at 11:00 PM, theguru said:

Mock Draft from The Sporting News.

I am so worried Faulk is going to fall to the Bengals and they will draft another guy that needs developing but has great measurables.  

On 2/27/2026 at 11:00 PM, theguru said:

Mock Draft from The Sporting News.

At a closer look, I think we need an after combine mock draft to comment on.  No way Bain goes two or Styles goes 15.  Probably more realistic if you swapped the two.  

23 hours ago, FatNate said:

At a closer look, I think we need an after combine mock draft to comment on.  No way Bain goes two or Styles goes 15.  Probably more realistic if you swapped the two.  

It was pretty well known way before the combine that Bain had short arms. So I doubt it hurts his draft stock to much, with that said I do hope teams decide to pass on him and he falls to the Bengals. 

There are some reports out there that during test Caleb Downs was found to have a partially torn meniscus, and a degenerative ACL issue. Which to me if he is there and no other top DL is available, then you take him still. With that said, if he is there and one of the top DL is available, then it makes the choice even easier and you go with the DL. Which I would have gone with a DL over him even before hearing this. 

11 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

There are some reports out there that during test Caleb Downs was found to have a partially torn meniscus, and a degenerative ACL issue. Which to me if he is there and no other top DL is available, then you take him still. With that said, if he is there and one of the top DL is available, then it makes the choice even easier and you go with the DL. Which I would have gone with a DL over him even before hearing this. 

I don't want to draft anyone with any degenerative health issues. 

24 minutes ago, theguru said:

I don't want to draft anyone with any degenerative health issues. 

Same here. Which if it came down to it, and the top DL are gone and Downs is the best one left. I think knowing his health possible issues, I would try to trade back at that point. If not able to trade back, then I think you take your change and hope it works out. 

The fact that the Bengals lost one of the best pass rushing defensive ends in football for absolutely nothing is extremely frustrating. He should have been traded last off season before the draft, or at least during the season. 

23 hours ago, futurecoach said:

Same here. Which if it came down to it, and the top DL are gone and Downs is the best one left. I think knowing his health possible issues, I would try to trade back at that point. If not able to trade back, then I think you take your change and hope it works out. 

Downs might have some knee issues.