04-17-2023, 01:34 PM
(04-17-2023, 12:34 PM)Essex Johnson Wrote: Who else would it be?? We have worst TE room in league right now..
Agreed - The Bengals appear to me to be ready to add a Rookie to the Group with one of their first 3 picks.
Irv Smith's injury history should make the Bengals want to add to the Tight End room via the Draft.
Smith is only 24 years old, so he could be due a healthy stretch given his injuries were not overly serious. (torn meniscus/ankle)
During Smith's rookie season (with 16 game appearances and 6 starts) he had 36 catches for 311 yards and 2 TDs.
Last year Hayden Hurst had 52 catches for 414 yards and 2 touchdowns in 13 starts.
I think that a healthy Irv Smith can put up around 450 to 500 yards in 2023 while any rookie the Bengals take develops. If the Bengals take one of the first round Tight Ends then that rookie may take more & more playing time away from Irv as the season progresses.
I expect the Bengals will get this right and that we will see good Production from the Tight End Group in 2023 especially with Burrow throwing to them.
