Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says the plan is for new tight end Irv Smith Jr. to play in the same role Hayden Hurst had last year with the team.
As the team’s offseason program starts, Taylor said that is the “vision” for Smith and the position, at least.
Of course, that “vision” can change in a hurry thanks to the draft. Smith is more than capable of stepping up as the primary pass-catcher at tight end while Drew Sample returns to his normal blocking role.
But the Bengals taking a tight end early would create a competition to be Joe Burrow’s primary target in the offense at the position.
Still, what else would Taylor say? This close to the draft, there is no reason to show the team’s hand as far as draft plans go. That was a nice bonus about the Smith signing besides his high upside — the team doesn’t have to take a tight end early, but it can depending on how the board falls.
Zac Taylor meets with the media. https://t.co/ObzV5ZcSZk
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 17, 2023
