Paul Dehner Jr

Cincinnati

Podcast Host at Hear That Podcast Growlin'

Senior writer and The Growler Podcast host covering the Bengals for @TheAthleticNFL. Once dubbed "the man who set social media on fire." FYI: Day-ner.

Articles

Why players in the trenches will lead the way

3 days ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

Finally, we made it. A critical offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals reaches the most critical juncture. The Bengals have more boxes to check over three days this weekend than picks at their disposal. They need pass rushers (x2), a linebacker, a safety, a guard, a swing tackle and running back depth. The Trey Hendrickson situation still hangs out there, as does Germaine Pratt's trade request. They have six picks.
Hunting for the next Chase Brown and Erick All Jr.?

6 days ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

This is the fifth of a five-part series laying out the Cincinnati Bengals' draft outlook at primary positions of need in the 2025 NFL Draft. The focal point of the Bengals' draft weekend will revolve around defense and the trenches. The more picks from there, the better off overall team health will be. Regarding skill positions, they feel like they have one of the best groups in all of football. It's hard to argue.
Finally time for defensive tackle investement?

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

This is the fourth of a five-part series laying out the Bengals' draft outlook at the primary positions of need in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bengals lived the good life for a decade after selecting Geno Atkins in the fourth round in 2010. After 75 1/2 sacks and what might be the best value pick in franchise history, Atkins will be up for Hall of Fame consideration next year. And the Bengals will still be looking for someone capable of wrecking a game in similar fashion.
Picks, predictions and key needs

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

The Cincinnati Bengals have the 17th pick in the NFL Draft when Round 1 begins April 24 in Green Bay. The Bengals own six total picks in the seven-round draft. Bengals' draft picksFull draft orderEvery pick in the seven-round NFL Draft.
Understanding timing at edge rusher and the Hendrickson variable

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

This is the third of a five-part series laying out the Bengals' draft outlook at the primary positions of need in the 2025 NFL Draft. * Monday: Safety/linebacker * Tuesday: Offensive line * Wednesday: Edge rusher * Thursday: Defensive tackle * Friday: Skill positionsEvery year in the NFL draft, there's at least one position where a team's weakness meets the exciting arrival of a loaded draft class. Welcome to the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals defensive line draft. The Bengals need help.
One more critical swing at the guard problem

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

This is the second of a five-part series laying out the Bengals' draft outlook at the primary positions of need in the 2025 NFL Draft. * Monday: Safety/linebacker * Tuesday: Offensive line * Wednesday: Edge rusher * Thursday: Defensive tackle * Friday: Skill positionsAnother year, another deep dive into the Bengals' needs at offensive line. Cincinnati has been searching for stability up front every year of the Joe Burrow era.
4-15-25 - Mo Egger with Paul Dehner Jr

1 week ago | 700wlw.iheart.com | Paul Dehner Jr

Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athleticand The Growler Podcastjoined us to discuss some Bengals-related draft issues, with a focus on some specific positions, like guard and safety. We also discussed the Bengals holding a fantasy camp for local players, a possible Madrid game, the likelihood of a Trey Hendrickson trade, the best place for a Cincinnati-based reality show, and why I'm naming my dog after Geno Stone. Podcasts of The Mo Egger Radio Show are a service of Longnecks Sports Grill.
Safety and LB needs spark positional value debate

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

This the first of a five-part series laying out the Bengals' draft outlook at the primary positions of need in the 2025 NFL Draft. * Monday: Safety/linebacker * Tuesday: Offensive line * Wednesday: Edge rusher * Thursday: Defensive tackle * Friday: Skill positionsTeams never want to pigeonhole themselves in a draft. They'd love to spend all weekend repeating "best player available" into microphones raving about a draft class that fell into place. The Bengals can't say that this year.
Profiling who fits in Cincinnati

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

More than almost any team in the NFL, the Bengals' draft strategy can be predicted. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin has held the keys to the draft forever and the lieutenants of the operation haven't changed since Zac Taylor arrived in 2019, with director of college scouting Mike Potts running that show the entire time. Now with a six-year sample, there are traits and trends we know by heart.
Hendrickson drama, draft priorities, free agency strategy

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Paul Dehner Jr

PALM BEACH, Fla. - No matter where the NFL goes, the Bengals are sure to grab headlines these days. From Indianapolis to Palm Beach to "The Pat McAfee Show," few teams provide more catnip for national attention than the traditionally overlooked small-market franchise. Thanks to a trio of suddenly outspoken stars, back-to-back underwhelming seasons and a franchise flailing to tread water in a reputational riptide, the Bengals are a favorite topic.