Tobin prioritizes production over athleticism (avg 54th percentile)
The Bengals front office is uniquely small - one of the smallest personnel departments in the NFL - but has produced results, including a Super Bowl appearance after the 2021 season. Duke Tobin has been the de facto GM since 2002, operating under owner Mike Brown without the official GM title. The 2025 offseason brought significant changes with three promotions to Assistant GM (Radicevic, Potts, Brown), signaling potential succession planning. Mike Potts, Trey Brown, and Steven Radicevic are all considered GM candidates around the league. The analytics operation under Sam Francis has grown from a one-man department to include Trey LaBounty. The staff emphasizes versatility - Tobin requires all scouts to work both college and pro sides. Recent struggles (missing playoffs 2023-25 despite having Burrow/Chase) have brought criticism, but ownership has reaffirmed commitment to Tobin and coach Zac Taylor. The tight-knit group has produced talent evaluators but faces pressure to expand.