:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45872622/usa-today-7637377.0.jpg)
The Bengals are likely losing Jermaine Gresham, and they may have their eyes on their next tight end in the form of Tyler Kroft.
The Scarlet Knights pass-catcher notched 67 passes for 842 yards for four scores over the past two seasons, and he opted to declare for the draft this offseason, forgoing his senior season.
Not only were the Bengals on hand at Rutgers' Pro Day on Wednesday, but they were specifically there for Kroft.
Notes from #Rutgers pro day today: #Bengals scout worked out TE Tyler Kroft for about 20 min.Was heard saying he's "only here for 1 player"
— NFL Draft Bible (@NFLDraftBible) March 12, 2015
The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Kroft broad jumped 10 feet, leaped 34 inches in the vertical jump and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds at the Pro Day. This, after he suffered a high ankle sprain first suffered in the Quick Lane Bowl, and was unable to do every workout at the NFL Scouting combine.
What makes him a possible fit for the Bengals is that he's a solid blocker in both the run and pass game. That's what Cincinnati needs, a guy that can replicate what Gresham gave them. They have Tyler Eifert to be the primary pass-catching TE, but need another guy who can block and catch passes.
Kroft's NFL comparison is that of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, as NFL.ocm's Lance Zierlein writes:
Tenacious blocker. Handled Michigan State DE Shilique Calhoun as run blocker. Blocks with good base and sustains blocks with strong hands. Not content to stalemate -- wants to win the play as blocker. Able to handle himself in pass protection using adequate footwork and technique.
NFL COMPARISON Travis Kelce
BOTTOM LINE: Tall, athletic tight end with the frame to add more muscle and the athleticism to get open in space. Kroft is an aggressive blocker who can help the running game win on the edges, but he also possesses the quickness to get open in space and make a play after the catch. Kroft's size, athleticism and competitiveness as a blocker make him a scheme fit for most offenses and he could be one of the top tight ends to come from this draft class.
With just over a month until the draft, it appears the Bengals may have potential TE target in their sights.