Insider says former first-rounder will have 'significant' impact on Bengals
If there's one thing the Cincinnati Bengals have it's a plethora of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd make up a formidable trio of wide receivers. Also, running back Joe Mixon, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season, gives them the balance they need […]
If there's one thing the Cincinnati Bengals have it's a plethora of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd make up a formidable trio of wide receivers. Also, running back Joe Mixon, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season, gives them the balance they need to not be a one-dimensional attack.
Led by quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals will be tough to slow down in 2022 and have a legitimate shot to repeat as AFC champions. According to ESPN, if that becomes a reality, an under-the-radar player could have a significant impact, tight end Hayden Hurst.
Ben Baby on what Hurst could bring to the table:
"Expect Hurst to play a significant role in Cincinnati's offense. He gives the Bengals another vertical threat in the passing game, which could prove vital with teams paying ample attention to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Hurst should be an asset as a blocker and a receiver, which is paramount for the position group led by assistant James Casey."
After the Atlanta Falcons drafted tight end, Kyle Pitts, and didn't exercise the fifth-year option on Hurst a month later, it was clear he would be elsewhere this season. Hurst has never been a guy that's going to wow anyone at the tight end spot like Travis Kelce of the Chiefs or George Little of the 49ers, but with all the other weapons the Bengals have, he doesn't need to be.
Having Hurst be a threat down the seams and in the middle of the field is crucial. If so, Boyd, the Bengals' slot specialist, could have a monster season with attention on Hurst, which will also give more one-on-one chances for Chase and Higgins.
Hurst hasn't wasted time making a positive impression in Cincinnati. Earlier this month, Boyd he spoke on how fluid Hurst has looked in practice.
“I was shocked how smooth he was getting in and out of his breaks,” Boyd said, via the team's website. “Once he gets fundamentally sound in the offense, I think that’s when we’ll see him explode.”
Hurst and his ability to add another layer to an already dangerous Bengals' is something to keep an eye on this season.
You can check out the full column, here.
Feature image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
