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The Cincinnati Bengals are meeting virtually with Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette before the draft, according to Justin Melo of the Draft Network.
Smith-Marsette has met or will meet with other teams as well, such as the Saints, Rams, Jets, Jaguars, Raiders, Bills, and Washington.
#Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette will bring exciting vertical skills to the next level, while also serving as an electric KR/PR. He'll be a good pro
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 9, 2021
Smith-Marsette has met/will meet virtually w/ #Saints, #Rams, #Jets, #Jaguars, #Bengals, #Raiders, #Washington & #Bills to name a few
In his last season at Iowa, he only played in seven games due to the shortened season. His junior year in 2019 was his best year statistically. He played in 13 games, he had 44 receptions, 722 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns. He also rushed eight times, averaging 9.8 yards per carry and rushed for three touchdowns. Smith-Marsette also returned 17 kickoffs and averaged 29.6 yards per return, scoring two touchdowns.
Not only is Smith-Marsette an athletic deep threat, but he is also useful as a special teams player. He would be a good fit for the Bengals as a quick receiver and a gadget player, which is what Zac Taylor wanted to make Alex Erickson into.
Smith-Marsette is a mid-round prospect. If the meeting with the Bengals goes well, that might mean that they go offensive line in with the first overall pick, and probably with their second pick too. Either that, or Smith-Marsette could be Plan B if Ja’Marr Chase is off the board by the fifth overall pick.
In any case, if Smith-Marsette lives up to his potential, then he will be a great player for the Bengals.