There’s one thing that the Cincinnati Bengals have done this offseason that can’t be taken away from them.
They’ve reinforced their tight ends — and may not be done. Whether that’s bringing in Mike Gesicki to serve as a safety valve for Joe Burrow, Tanner Hudson re-signing with the team, or Drew Sample returning for another season, Cincinnati seemingly wants to make the position a strength.
Cincinnati Bengals News Today
Brock Bowers Could Be the Answer at TE
If the Bengals wanted to get any stronger at tight end, the No. 18 selection in this year’s draft could be the right spot. The team would have to look no further than Brock Bowers, who compiled 175 receptions, 2,538 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns. He even added 19 rushing attempts for 193 yards and five scores in his three seasons at Georgia.
Pro Football Network’s Tony Catalina has the Bengals going all in by mocking Bowers to the Bengals.
“The tight end position is an interesting one,” Catalina wrote. “Brock Bowers is a top-five talent who could slip down the 2024 NFL Draft order based solely on perceived positional value.
“The Bengals take the best player available here, adding an elite weapon to the mix for Joe Burrow. Bowers helps round out an already quality Cincinnati passing game.”
Bowers is a three-time All-American, a two-time College Football Playoff national champion, won the John Mackey Award in back-to-back seasons (2022, 2023) for the nation’s top tight end, and he’s a three-time first-team All-SEC selection.
READ MORE: Catalina’s Recent NFL Mock Draft
Bengals Could Opt To Keep WR Tee Higgins
Bengals Wire’s Chris Roling believes that the Bengals will not trade wide receiver Tee Higgins, who the team placed the franchise tag on earlier this offseason. Roling cites edge rusher Brian Burns, wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Keenan Allen, and Stefon Diggs, along with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
“Teams aren’t really moving first-round picks these days,” Roling said. “If Burns and Sneed aren’t garnering one, Higgins likely won’t either, especially when he’s not often had to be a No. 1 wideout without Ja’Marr Chase on the field, and he’s had availably issues due to injuries.
“Before even all of that, though, consider that this is widely hailed as a historic-looking draft class for wideouts. If the choice is between an early-round wideout who is cheaper and younger than Higgins or a trade for Higgins that will cost assets, then a potentially market-resetting extension, most teams are likely to avoid the trade.”
KEEP READING: Tackle Prospects Bengals Could Kick Inside
Former Patriots Football Research Director Praises Joe Burrow
Ernie Adams spent years crafting scouting reports and analysis from the high school level and beyond for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. His ability to use analytics earlier on in the sporting world aided the Patriots in their propulsion to six Super Bowl titles.
Adams scoured over high school football tape from Burrow. The young quarterback also played linebacker at Athens High School in Ohio. Adams went on Julian Edelman’s show, “Games With Names,” to praise the state champion.
“What’s the thing you’re really proud of in football? And the one I remember was Joe Burrow,” Adams said. “State Championship came down to a goal-line stand, and he was the linebacker … Hey right here, this is my kinda guy.”
CONTINUE READING: Mid-Round Tight End Targets for Cincinnati