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The Cincinnati Bengals were one of 32 teams that sent representatives to Iowa's Pro Day on March 23. According to NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt, the Bengals sent tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes. Ray Hamilton, the only tight end out of Iowa that's entering the NFL draft, posted 29 career receptions in four seasons with the Hawkeyes, including 305 yards receiving and three touchdowns (all in 2014) -- two of which came against the Fighting Illini.
It's equally possible that Hayes dropped by to check out offensive tackle Brandon Scherff, who is viewed as one of (if not THE) top offensive tackles in this year's draft.
At the pro day, he had a 32 1/2-inch vertical and a 8-foot-11 broad jump. He completed the short shuttle in 4.57 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.18 seconds. Scherff has big hands (11 inches) and performed 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. He had a very good workout, justifying his standing as a prospect expected to go in the first round.
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has Scherff going ninth to the New York Giants. Mel Kiper Jr, who has Stanford offensive tackle going to the Giants at No. 9, sends Scherff to the New Orleans Saints at No. 13. Andrew Donnal also participated during Iowa's pro day, but he doesn't fit the mold that offensive line coach Paul Alexander looks for.
Then again, Hayes was in the area scouting tight end E.J. Bibbs at Iowa State's Pro Day on March 25. After Bibbs' workout, which Hayes conducted, the Iowa State prospect spent close to 30 minutes with the Bengals, working the white board and interviewing.