Al Golden, the Bengals' defensive coordinator, recently addressed the media, highlighting the importance of developing young players within the organization. He acknowledged the contributions of Coach Zac Taylor and praised the Bengals' commitment to improving their defensive strategies. Golden emphasized the need for instant impact from rookies, particularly in bolstering the defense, which struggled in the previous season. He aims to enhance onboarding for newcomers, ensuring they quickly grasp essential techniques and playbook nuances.

Golden specifically mentioned players like Dax Hill, Myles Murphy, and DJ Turner II, stressing the need for a unified approach among coaching staff and player development teams. He believes a clear, structured plan is critical for maximizing the potential of young talent. Golden's philosophy revolves around a stimulus-response defense, encouraging swift recognition and reaction during plays. He aims to refine their skills in a focused manner, ensuring that each player knows key areas for improvement.

The Bengals are poised to make significant roster additions in the offseason, but Golden insists the growth of current players is equally vital. He plans to implement a concise development program, promoting faster gameplay and teamwork. With a focus on energy and clarity, Golden is dedicated to turning the Bengals' defensive fortunes around for the upcoming season.

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially hired Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, following his recent tenure as the defensive coach for Notre Dame. Golden is believed to be the preferred candidate to take over the role after Lou Anarumo's departure. The Bengals' defense has faced challenges and will need immediate improvement as they head into the 2025 season. A key focus will be maximizing the potential of young talents like Dax Hill, Myles Murphy, and Cam Taylor-Britt, as the team aims to develop contributors rather than superstars.

Additionally, ensuring alignment between Golden and the Bengals' front office is crucial, especially after high draft investments in Hill, Murphy, and Jordan Battle. The Bengals must strategically evaluate their draft picks and free agency to improve the defense's overall performance. Golden’s experience coaching against some of the best college talent should provide him a unique edge in identifying players suitable for the Bengals’ defensive scheme.

The Los Angeles Rams are taking a strategic approach to their upcoming draft, focusing on addressing key positions following the departure of Christian Rozeboom and uncertainties surrounding players like Cooper Kupp, Alaric Jackson, and Rob Havenstein. In an early mock draft, the Rams made multiple trades to optimize their picks, moving up to secure talent for both immediate and future needs.

Initially, the Rams traded their first-round pick (26) along with a fourth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs, receiving picks 32 and 64 in return. This maneuver allowed the Rams to gain additional selections and select impactful players like Jihaad Campbell and Jalen Royals. The Rams also acquired a potential future starter in quarterback Kyle McCord, showing their commitment to long-term planning.

As the draft unfolded, the Rams continued to make moves, trading additional picks to bolster their roster further, ultimately walking away with a well-rounded group of prospects aimed at enhancing their team's competitiveness in the upcoming seasons. This draft strategy reflects a clear focus on rebuilding while remaining competitive.

Al Golden is poised to become the Cincinnati Bengals' next defensive coordinator, focusing on improving the team's defense, which struggled in 2025. As a former Notre Dame coach, Golden is expected to develop young talent, integrating recent draft picks into the lineup effectively. Players like Dax Hill and Myles Murphy, who saw limited action previously, will need more field time under his guidance.

Golden's role will also involve maximizing the potential of the current roster, identifying key contributors among young players, and ensuring they transition into reliable defensive assets. Furthermore, he is tasked with scouting talent in free agency and the upcoming draft to help elevate the defense, particularly through strategic acquisitions similar to those that contributed to the Bengals' previous Super Bowl run.

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a crucial offseason as they seek to rebuild a defense that struggled significantly, particularly in run defense, where they ranked 27th in the NFL. Despite a stellar season from quarterback Joe Burrow, who was considered MVP-worthy, the team failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year, largely due to defensive shortcomings.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's unit has often been unprepared, with three of his six defenses finishing in the bottom third for scoring defense. As the team looks to hire a new coordinator, personnel changes are also needed. Key players like DJ Reader departing could further hinder their efforts to improve physicality.