The Cincinnati Bengals have a very talented starting tight end in Mike Gesicki, but they could benefit from getting more production behind him. In the 2024 season, Gesicki hauled in 65 receptions, with 665 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, and while the team had spent a fourth-round pick on Erick All Jr., he suffered a torn ACL after just 9 games into his rookie season.
Rightfully so, the Bengals wide receiver room and quarterback Joe Burrow get all the attention, but another productive season from Gesicki will help the offense excel, as would production from the other tight ends on the roster. Here’s a look at where Cincinnati stands at the tight end position heading into training camp:
Mike Gesicki
2024 stats: 65 receptions, 665 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
The team’s top tight end had the second-highest receptions in a single season in his career this pass year, making himself a reliable target for Joe Burrow. Although he didn’t find the endzone often, Gesicki proved to be a valuable source of production at the tight end position that was very weak for the Bengals before he arrived.
Drew Sample
2024 stats: 20 receptions, 109 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
Although he was used sparingly throughout the season, Sample has been with the Bengals since 2019 when he was a second-round pick, but has not lived up to the billing of his draft slot. He’s good depth behind Gesicki, but his inability to break through as the top tight end has led him to a backup role with plenty of familiarity within the organization.
Erick All Jr.
2024 stats: 20 receptions, 158 receiving yards
A fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, All was slowly coming into his own before he was derailed with a torn ACL in a Week 9 victory over the L.as Vegas Raiders. All has the pass-catching ability to become a valuable weapon in the Bengals aerial attack, but how he recovers from the big injury will be the biggest key to his playing time this season.
Tanner Hudson
2024 stats: 19 receptions, 154 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
Filling in a role similar to Sample, Hudson is a player who provides depth and veteran experience who can produce when called upon. Hudson is a good player who can serve as a mentor to the young tight ends on the roster.
Cam Grandy
2024 stats: 5 receptions, 28 receiving yards
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent last season, Grandy was a practice squad player until elevated for a Week 10 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Grandy would appear in eight games with very limited production, but signed a one-year extension with the team this offseason.
Tanner McLachlan
2024 stats: N/A
A sixth round pick of the Bengals last season, McLachlan played in a total of 22 snaps, 17 of which came on special teams, which seems to be the role he will have on the team.
