The Growler

Andrew Winter, contributor at Gridiron Grading and analytics analyst, joins to break down linebacker metrics and draft evaluation. He highlights measurable traits, testing red flags, and day-two LB prospects. The conversation also covers Bengals draft priorities, positional rankings, and team tendencies to favor SEC players and athletic measurables.

They dissect recent Bengals secondary signings and debate how those moves reshape draft plans. They argue over Caleb Downs versus corner prospects and whether Dax could be moved again. They riff on mock drafts, pre-draft visits, and what teams look for in interviews. Non-football detours include an Artemis launch, a bizarre quadruple-amputee news story, standup dates, organ donation, and a touching Dad Life segment.

Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, briefly explains his roster priorities and development approach. He defends relying on rookie linebackers while describing flexibility at cornerback. Short takes cover whether to draft or sign veteran corners, tackle depth, and Chase Brown’s role going forward.

Paul sits down with Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com at the league meetings in Arizona. They discuss Zac Taylor, the Bengals' free agency successes and failures and the Bengals' draft strategy. Then, Paul's joined by Andrew Winter and Ryan Albaum of Gridiron Grading to discuss this year's edge class.The Analytics Department is presented by R&A Marketing. Growl Pals at R&A Marketing designed our website at thegrowlerpodcast.com, and they continue to support our digital growth. Check them out at ramarketing.comThe Jack Golf Classic returns May 15th at Legendary Run. Find more info at https://jackhobson.love/golfFollow Gridiron Grading on X: @GridironGrading00:00 Theme song and intro02:10 Zac Taylor in Year 707:23 Bengals' free agency11:41 Bengals' draft strategy18:11 The Jack Golf Classic21:59 The Analytics Department23:41 Edge numbers that matter27:50 Rueben Bain31:43 Keldric Faulk & TJ Parker36:58 Draft Day 2 findsWatch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrowlerPodcastThe Growler on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growler/id1733476604The Growler on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70iJjqgPQrVzQ2pdOwVvDYLinks to all socials, podcast platforms, merchandise from Cincy Shirts and more: thegrowlerpodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conversation about Joe Burrow playing flag football and whether it worries fans. Debate over signing Joe Flacco as a veteran safety net and Tycen Anderson leaving the roster. Quick takes on which young Bengals might break out and which draft scenarios would best help the team. Discussion of linebacker options, Cam Taylor-Britt’s pick value, and priorities for offensive improvement.

Double draft feature this week as Paul is joined by Ryan Albaum and Andrew Winter from Gridiron Grading as well as a 30-minute conversation with former Bengals scout Christian Sarkisian, now the GM of athletics at Northwestern University.The Analytics Department is presented by R&A Marketing. Growl Pals at R&A Marketing designed our website at thegrowlerpodcast.com, and they continue to support our digital growth. Check them out at ramarketing.com00:00 Intro04:00 Gridiron Grading: CB correlation and player profiles22:00 Christian Sarkisian joinsWatch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrowlerPodcastThe Growler on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growler/id1733476604The Growler on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70iJjqgPQrVzQ2pdOwVvDYLinks to all socials, podcast platforms, merchandise from Cincy Shirts and more: thegrowlerpodcast.comFollow Gridiron Grading: http://gridirongrading.carrd.co/ and https://x.com/GridironGrading?s=20See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They react to a post-free agency mock draft and how roster holes limited their choices. They debate Geno Stone leaving and the strange fan reactions that followed. They discuss Lou Anarumo’s reunion tour and center succession options. They explain Bengals contract structures and examine coaches’ frustration with personnel moves.

They break down the Bengals’ free agency posture and why big moves are mostly over. Key signings and the team’s defensive rebuild mindset get sharp focus. Cornerback depth and nickel concerns come up alongside a debate over valuing measurables versus production for prospects. The draft needs, comp-pick strategy, and contract extension urgency are highlighted. Plus a light sandwich chat for fun.

Mo Egger, radio host and sports commentator, drops in to offer local perspective and conversational analysis. They unpack Jonathan Allen’s signing and role, Orlando Brown Jr.’s extension and tackle implications. Quick takes on Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe’s potential impact. They also debate the lingering linebacker need and possible roster paths to address it.

Nothing happened. Again. Which meant something. Again.The Walkout Live is presented by Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati. Visit them at josephtoyota.com. Reach them at 513-385-1800 or go see them at 9101 Colerain Avenue.Check out Another 9, the golf simulator with 24/7 access in Columbia Tusculum and Montgomery. Play in their longest drive and closest to the pin contest to win a month-long membership or Bengals opening day tickets: https://anothernine.com/Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrowlerPodcastThe Growler on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growler/id1733476604The Growler on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70iJjqgPQrVzQ2pdOwVvDYLinks to all socials, podcast platforms, merchandise from Cincy Shirts and more: thegrowlerpodcast.comSee Mark’s tour schedule at markchalifoux.comSubscribe to Charlie’s Chalkboard on Substack: https://charlieschalkboard.substack.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.