Cincinnati Bengals director of pro scouting Steven Radicevic joined Dave Lapham on the In The Trenches podcast recently to discuss the offseason, encompassing free agency and the NFL Draft, which begins this Thursday evening.
The two discussed, on top of all things, what the Bengals approach will be with their selection at No. 17 in the first round.
"I think it's important to take the best player available and you just roll with him," Radicevic said. "I'm a strong believer in that and that's what makes your football team better."
Cincinnati needs to address the defensive line and their pass rush, especially as Trey Hendrickson is embroiled in a contract dispute. That would mean a player like Jihaad Campbell would be on their board. They could also go safety and take either Nick Emmanwori or Malaki Starks.
If Radicevic's best player available theory is what the Bengals are committed to, they could also be going with an offensive lineman to protect quarterback Joe Burrow.
Head coach Zac Taylor might like to get his hands on Kelvin Banks, Jr. or Tyler Booker. The Bengals would certainly not be faulted for looking to protect the franchise quarterback.
Radicevic is not insensitive to the Bengals needs, but he made it pretty clear that they will going with the best player available.
Booker, Campbell and Starks will be live in Green Bay to hear their names called by commissioner Roger Goodell. One of them just might be getting on an airplane after the pick to go to Hamilton County, Ohio to meet with their new coaches and teammates.
