Duke Tobin, the Cincinnati Bengals' director of player personnel, faces scrutiny as he ranks 17th among NFL general managers. His challenges stem from the team's inconsistent performance, particularly regarding Joe Burrow's protection and the defense's struggles. The Bengals have rarely finished in the upper half of defensive statistics during Burrow's tenure, often placing the onus on Burrow to excel under pressure.

This ranking reflects not just Tobin's decisions, but also the overall management of the Bengals organization, including the synergy with head coach Zac Taylor. It raises questions about the effectiveness of their strategic alignment and whether they can bolster their roster to support Burrow's talent.

The Cincinnati Bengals are seeing a positive shift in the performance of second-year wide receiver Jermaine Burton, who struggled in his rookie season. After facing criticism from Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin during the scouting combine, Burton has reportedly dedicated himself to improvement this offseason. Head coach Zac Taylor praised his commitment, noting his increased presence at the facility and proactive approach to conditioning and practice.

Burton was once seen as a potential long-term replacement for Tee Higgins but fell short of expectations last year due to several off-field issues. Despite the Bengals re-signing both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, Burton's development this offseason could play an essential role in enhancing the Bengals' offensive depth.

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' star defensive end, remains absent from team activities due to unresolved contract negotiations. Hendrickson has made it clear he will not play for the Bengals under his current deal, which is set to pay him $15.8 million this season. The situation has escalated to a personal level, with Hendrickson mentioning a text from head coach Zac Taylor regarding fines for missing mandatory minicamp, which he found troubling.

Coach Taylor, while providing no new details on Hendrickson's situation, acknowledged their ongoing communication and stated that every contractual dispute is unique. Despite Hendrickson's absence from practice, Taylor does not see it as a distraction. Known for his impressive performance, Hendrickson is one of just five players in NFL history to record over 17 sacks in consecutive seasons, contributing significantly to the Bengals' defensive lineup.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a crucial test as they aim to overcome their reputation as slow starters in the upcoming NFL season. With the 2025 schedule revealing their first games against the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, experts believe this might offer the Bengals a favorable start. Last year's catastrophic start to the season, including a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots, left a haunting mark on the team. As they gear up for training camp, the Bengals must address ongoing contract issues, particularly surrounding defensive end Trey Hendrickson, to ensure they are in top shape for the season opener.

Head coach Zac Taylor is implementing changes to their offseason strategy to combat past early-season struggles. The Bengals' schedule includes a challenging series of six road games later in the season, making a strong start even more vital. Analysts predict that if Cincinnati can harness this scheduling advantage, they might shift the narrative from perennial underachievers to serious contenders in the AFC North.