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The Bengals were expected to grab a tight end in this year's NFL draft, and they did so twice, first in the third round by grabbing Rutgers' Tyler Kroft.
Now, Kroft, the 85th-overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft has signed his rookie contract, Kroft's agent, Mike McCartney, announced on Twitter.
Congrats to @Kroft86 for signing his rookie contract with the #Bengals
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) May 28, 2015
Kroft also has announced the signing via Instagram:
The deal will be for four years and worth a little more than $3 million, including a 2015 cap hit of $596,944, per Spotrac.
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Kroft addresses a need at tight end with Tyler Eifert recovering from shoulder surgery, and Jermaine Gresham still unsigned. The Scarlet Knights pass-catcher notched 67 passes, 842 yards and four scores during the past two seasons. He then opted to declare for the draft this offseason, forgoing his senior season.
"We are really excited about him," said Marvin Lewis following the draft. "He is a guy we had targeted who fit what we are looking for, and in this draft, the best of the TE prospects. We feel really good about his ability to be an all-around tight end and a guy that has a lot of ability continue to grow and have great upside both as a blocker and a receiver. He has a great feel for route running and a feel for moving away from leverage."
The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Kroft broad jumped 10 feet, leaped 34" 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 in the Quick Lane Bowl; he was unable to do every workout at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Kroft should open his rookie year as the No. 2 tight end next to Eifert. Those two together should be a formidable TE combo and could be the missing link to help the Bengals passing offense.
Be sure to check out our interview with On The Banks for a more in-depth look at Kroft.