Prominent NFL analyst 'fascinated' by TE Irv Smith Jr. joining Bengals
Usually when a job has a high turnover rate, it's not an attractive position to hold. The exception in this case is becoming the starting tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals. The position has exchanged hands twice times in the last two years. First it was Hayden Hurst taking over for C.J. Uzomah, now it's […]
Usually when a job has a high turnover rate, it's not an attractive position to hold. The exception in this case is becoming the starting tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The position has exchanged hands twice times in the last two years. First it was Hayden Hurst taking over for C.J. Uzomah, now it's become Hurst handing the keys to Irv Smith Jr.
And Smith might just be the most promising one yet.
Former NFL Films producer and current ESPN NFL Matchup analyst Greg Cosell would know, having spent decades evaluating players at the highest level. Cosell sees a lot of potential in Smith, and described him perfectly on the Ross Tucker Podcast.
"I'm fascinated by the signing of Irv Smith at tight end," Cosell said to Tucker. "He's always been hurt, but a healthy Irv Smith is an athletic tight end, who's a seam stretcher. He's a three-level tight end. He's always been hurt, but if he can stay healthy I think that really does add another dimension to their pass game."
Smith hasn't always been hurt, but the injuries he suffered over the past two seasons is the main reason why the Bengals were not only able to sign him, but sign him for cheap. The former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings missed the entire 2021 season with a torn meniscus, and half of 2022 with an ankle injury.
When he is on the field, he's exactly who Cosell analyzed him as, and that's great news for the Bengals' offense.
Cincinnati managed to figure out ways to beat two-high defenses towards the tail end of the 2022 season, but they lacked a true vertical threat to draw attention towards the middle of the field. Smith's play speed adds the needed dimension for the Bengals to catch safeties creeping away from the boundary, and find Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with one-on-one opportunities downfield.
Smith's skillset may only be in the Queen City for a year, but his presence may finally unlock the full version of this offense for the better.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
