Tyler Eifert, the Bengals first-round pick during the 2013 NFL draft, has already been the subject of impressed observers, picking footballs out of the air and through coverage. Most accounts suggest he's only missed one pass. In a way, he's almost like A.J. Green.
"He one of those guys that if you find a way to put it around him, he finds a way to bring it in," said Andy Dalton to Dan Hoard on Bengals.com. Green is similar in that regard, capable of doing amazing things when the football enters his vicinity. No, we're not directly comparing the two. Only the reliability of their production once the football is within reach. Yes, I had to actually mention that disclaimer.
But how is Eifert viewed by defenders that are tasked with covering the rookie tight end? Hoard asked a couple of players.
Terence Newman:
"He's got a different skill set from a lot of tight ends as far as the way he runs routes," said Terence Newman. "He's a big guy but he moves like he could be a big wideout. It's kind of like the 49ers and the things they do with Vernon Davis. He's versatile so he can do a lot of different things. He can beat you when he's attached to the line and he can beat you when they flex him out. He's going to be somebody to be reckoned with this year to be sure."
Adam Jones:
"It's going to be hard for linebackers to match up with him," said Jones. "His 'shake-ability' is unbelievable and he's great at getting in and out of breaks. It's almost like Andrew Hawkins but a little bit slower."