Bengals Go TE in Round 1

Tyler Eifert is a versatile plug-and-play TE that runs good routes, can pluck the ball at its’ highest point, has great measurables, great character and was the best value pick if you trust your board (yes, I just tried to cram as many draft terms into one coherent sentence as I could – success!). With the exception of the Bengals play-by-play man Dave Lapham, not many had the Bengals taking Eifert at 21. While I was a bit surprised myself, I like this pick more every time I think of it. 

1. Say want you want about the “Draft Experts,” Eifert was the top TE according to everyone and most had him as one of the 10 best overall players in the draft (Kiper had him 8). To get him at 21 was a steal.
2. He creates matchup nightmare. Imagine the issues defense will have (especially in the redzone) trying to cover AJ (6’4” 207), Gresham (6’5” 260), Sanu (6’2” 210) (or Hawkins), and now Eifert (6’6” 250)! Not to mention hopefully the RB they take today. The Patriots have shown what type of nightmares 2 good TEs can create, and though Gresham has had some issues with drops, he can still be quite good.
3. Takes pressure off AJ. Eifert can be lined up at TE, the slot or out wide – either way, it forces a defense to either take the safety away from doubling AJ, or put a safety or LB on Eifert – at 6’6” with good speed, hands, and a great ability to win 50-50 balls, advantage Eifert.
4. The Bengals needed more weapons on offense…and Eifert provides that, pure and simple.
5. He was much better than any WR or S that was available when they picked.
6. While I like Elam, there are players close to (and arguably better than) Elam still left (Cyprien, Swearinger, Shamarko Thomas) and I think Eifert makes more of an impact than Elam.
7. The Bengals weakness has been their offense, not their defense. Eifert addresses that weakness.
8. Eifert provides an immediate replacement for Gresham should the Bengals elect not to resign Gresham next year. Gresham is a FA after this season. With Atkins, Dunlap, and MJ also FA’s, and Green and Dalton the following year, Gresham has to be the last on that list in priority, and therefore the Bengals may not be able to match the offers Gresham is likely to get.
9. The Bengals are a fun punching bag for many, but since Lewis arrived, they have been very good at drafting (and league experts agree). The Bengals do not reach for players of need and take the best player available. Doing so creates situations like this year, where you have the luxury of no glaring needs. Yes, they need to get better at safety, but let’s be honest, with MJ, Dunlap, Harrison, and Atkins rushing the QB, a stud safety is not a necessity….plus, worst case scenario, Crocker and Rhoades are still on the market and can hold their own.