The Cincinnati Bengals have had an up-and-down offseason so far. Joe Burrow looks to be coming back healthy but the Tee Higgins saga has been difficult to navigate for this team. Burrow is already on a massive extension, and their other star players will need to get paid soon. It puts a greater emphasis on the NFL Draft, where teams can get cheap talent. One analyst thinks the Bengals may have struck gold in 2024 with tight end Erick All.
Analyst Praises Cincinnati Bengals Tight End Erick All
The Cincinnati Bengals took Erick All in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After transferring from Michigan, he ended up at Iowa, hoping to revitalize the offense. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL, and it ended his season. Because of the injury, his draft stock fell, but his potential is off the charts. ESPN’s Louis Riddick thinks he could become the next All-Pro tight end.
“If he’s healthy, you have the next George Kittle-type tight end.”
That is some high praise for a fourth-round rookie. Kittle is one of the most electric tight ends in the league. If the Cincinnati Bengals got another elite weapon for this offense, they will be hard to stop in 2024.
Riddick Isn’t The Only One Who Loves The Tight End
Cincinnati Bengals senior writer Geoff Hobson revealed that the team had a starter grade on Erick All. When Hobson spoke to head coach Zac Taylor, he was also pleased they were able to draft the tight end.
“Obviously, the injuries are what allowed him to come to us. Otherwise, I don’t think there’s any shot in the world (that) he was there when we got him. The tape spoke very loudly on him, and I think he’s a really good fit for us.”
The Bengals have been lacking a quality tight end for the past few years. They went out and signed Mike Gesicki, who has been a quality offensive weapon for many teams. Between him, Erick All, and Drew Sample, the tight ends could be a huge element of the Cincinnati Bengals offense. This will only open up more opportunities for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Bengals have a tall task ahead of them in 2024. They are in one of the toughest divisions and have to topple Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen to reach the Super Bowl. Can they rebound from an injury-riddled 2023 season?
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