Tag: irv smith jr.

When the Cincinnati Bengals signed tight end Irv Smith Jr. in free agency, there was a glimmer of hope that he could further evolve the passing game because of his versatility.

Compared to past starters C.J. Uzomah and Hayden Hurst, Smith’s work as a pro so far suggested a more robust route tree and potentially after-catch playmaking.

So far, Smith has had nothing but praise for this Bengals coaching staff actually conferring with him about ways to get him open with routes that play to his strengths.

“Never on this level,” Smith said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “This is the best coaching staff I’ve been around. I put a lot of time and effort into getting better in the offseason and they’ve seen that and it’s a blessing.”

And offensive coordinator Brian Callahan spoke on this topic too, going as far as saying Smith indeed brings a different skill set than his predecessors.

“We try to call things guys like. That tends to make it work. That tends to make a good play,” Callahan said. “Irv is good in space. He’s different than the tight ends we’ve had before. He has real ability to separate and win after the catch.”

So far, with a smart nudge from the coaching staff, Smith seems to be matching the hype that suggested big things. Should it continue, the passing attack could be even more dynamic in 2023.

For what it’s worth, one of Smith’s big highlights so far certainly suggests he’ll have a big impact on the offense.

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The Cincinnati Bengals have made a habit over the last few years of taking perceived projects at the tight end spot and having them put up great production in Joe Burrow’s offense.

C.J. Uzomah got a nice bump before heading to free agency and Hayden Hurst did the same after last year.

Irv Smith Jr. might just be next.

Smith, freed of run-based offenses, could be the latest to experience a breakout after signing with the team and taking over the role as No. 1 on the depth chart.

Especially if he keeps making wicked highlight grabs like this during a recent training camp practice, as captured by Fox 19’s Jeremy Rauch:

What can Irv Smith do for the #Bengals? This play is a pretty good example.

Really impressive catch. Don't think he got two feet down but still a great play. pic.twitter.com/chRdOmnVVz

— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) July 29, 2023

There’s unwarranted offseason hype, then there’s a big grab like this that should have Bengals fans thinking about how he might be able to do the same and more with Burrow under center.

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The Cincinnati Bengals added a new starter at tight end by signing Irv Smith Jr. in free agency.

Smith immediately slots into the starting role in Joe Burrow’s offense and could bring a fresh element to the position, so here’s a look at a profile.

 

Experience: 5 years (Round 2, 2019)

Age: 25

College:  Alabama

2022 PFF Grade: 56.6

Numbers to Know: 91 catches, 858 yards and nine touchdowns over 37 games.

Resume and Outlook: Smith had previously been stuck in some run-first offenses and at times had problems staying on the field. But he’s Cincinnati’s latest rehab attempt at the position after Hayden Hurst. And he brings along with him what should be a more robust route tree, which means a bigger variety of looks for the position in the offense. It’s not unreasonable to expect he will similarly break out, if not even be the best player the team has had at the spot to date during the Burrow era.

 

Other 2023 Bengals player profiles: 

Position	Name
OL	Jaxson Kirkland
DE	Tarell Basham
RB	Chris Evans
DE	Jeff Gunter
P	Brad Robbins
LB	Jaylen Moody
TE	Drew Sample
QB	Trevor Siemian
DE	Cam Sample
CB	DJ Ivey
WR	Stanley Morgan
OL	Jackson Carman
P	Drue Chrisman
WR	Trent Taylor
S	Tycen Anderson
DT	Josh Tupou
RB	Chase Brown
WR	Charlie Jones
OT	Cody Ford

 

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