Bengals had their eyes on a prospect similar to one of their own players at Michigan's pro day
At the beginning of March, the Cincinnati Bengals had zero tight ends under contract for the 2024 season. They'll exit March with at least three, and that number could go by the end of April.One name at the position to remember is AJ Barner out of Michigan. Bengals tight ends coach James Casey was seen […]
At the beginning of March, the Cincinnati Bengals had zero tight ends under contract for the 2024 season. They'll exit March with at least three, and that number could go by the end of April.
One name at the position to remember is AJ Barner out of Michigan. Bengals tight ends coach James Casey was seen at Michigan's pro day Friday morning, per Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy.
Barner leaves the college ranks with good size and experience at the tight end position. He measured in at 6-6 and 251 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine after spending three seasons at Indiana, and one season at Michigan last year for the Wolverines National Championship run.
The reason why Barner might go later than early in the NFL Draft is due to production. His best season as a receiver came last year when he hauled in 22 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown.
What Barner lacks in receiving production is blocking ability. He graded out as one of the best run blocking tight ends in this class.
As a prospect, he's actually very similar to current Bengals tight end Drew Sample.
Sample just inked a three-year contract with the Bengals five years after being drafted by the club in the second round. That pick was far too early to use on Sample, but the team has recognized his value nonetheless. It tracts that they're interested in a similar player.
Barner would give the Bengals another inline player at the position along with Sample, which is needed on the roster. Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson are under contract just for the 2024 season, and neither are known for lining up with a hand in the turf attached to the offensive line.
Cincinnati has six selections to use on Day 3 of the draft. Don't be shocked if Barner or a similar tight end becomes a Bengal with one of those picks.
Also in attendance, per Nagy, was a defensive backs coach for Cincinnati. Cornerback Mike Sainristill is ranked No. 57 on Destin Adams' top 150 big board for A to Z Sports, so that could be whom the Bengals also watched.
Bengals reportedly attend Alabama’s pro day, but not to observe player linked to them in mock drafts
The future first-round pick worked out for several coaches, but not for anyone from Cincinnati.
