12-28-2016, 02:28 PM
(12-28-2016, 02:12 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Should the Bengals be placing a high priority on drafting a TE from near the top of this year's class?
With Eifert's latest injury being recommended for back surgery, there is a chance that he may never be fully right again. I did a little reading on NFL players that have had disc surgery. Stats show that 2/3 return to the field of play, for an average of around 3 years. Average recovery time listed as approximately 9 months. However, the majority of the stats they posted were related to disc surgery in the cervical region. (closer to the neck) I also tried to find greater details of Eifert's latest injury, and all articles simply stated back injury, surgery recommended, no additional specifics.
So, with Eifert's lengthy injury history, and no guarantee that he'll ever be 100% again, what should they do? We have CJ Uzomah, who has shown himself to be serviceable. Personally, I see Uzomah as a bit of a disappointment. Given his size and athleticism, I would have expected him to emerge as a serious mismatch to opposing LBs and Safeties. Tyler Kroft seemed to look like a nifty addition his rookie year, but he has seemed to settle into his role as the 3rd TE. And then we have Ryan Hewitt. Hewitt looked like pure gold his rookie year. He was delivering crushing blocks from the FB and HB positions, as well as making some nice catches underneath the defense. Since then, his role has decreased immensely.
Bottom line is that the Bengals have no one on the roster to fill the void that the absence of a healthy Tyler Eifert creates. I don't feel like the Bengals should panic and reach for one of the top 2 or 3 of the TE class, but some of the mid round TEs are looking pretty good this year.
For example, I like Jordan Leggett from Clemson. 6'5" 258, hands like a WR, fluid route movement, and physicality to match his frame.
What do you think? Should the Bengals be looking TE?
I think we have to with Eifert's injury history and this was before the back that i wanted a TE in this draft.
Jake Butt is the main guy but like you said we shouldn't panic and take him over a legit pass rusher opposite of Dunlap
which is what i think this team should look for in the first round. Center in the 2nd and a guy like your guy Leggett and a
raw, talented OT in the mid rounds and this team should be much improved.
Edit: But we also need a LB somewhere in there as well.
