Last time out, we took a look at the wide receivers in the AFC North. Now, we’ll turn our attention to some other pass-catchers, the tight ends.
5. C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals
Uzomah became a reliable backup and replacement for Tyler Eifert after Eifert went down with an injury early in the season, catching 43 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns. Uzomah was rewarded with a new three-year contract while Tyler Kroft left to sign with the Buffalo Bills (and is now currently on the PUP list). Uzomah isn’t a superstar by any means, but should something happen to Eifert, Cincinnati at least has someone to step in.
4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens drafted two tight ends in 2018 and found the better one in round three. Mark Andrews should be more involved in the passing game than Hayden Hurst, as he was always a strong pass-catcher at Oklahoma. Andrews posted stronger numbers than Hurst in 2018 and that trend should continue. Nick Boyle is also still on the roster, but the Ravens are very high on both of their second-year tight ends. But ultimately, if we’re picking one, it’s the former Sooner.
3. Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
I love Tyler Eifert. I really do. I’ve been a fan of his all throughout his career. But unfortunately, availability has been a major issue lately for the former Notre Dame tight end. Eifert has played in just 14 games over the past three seasons due to various injuries. Perhaps Eifert can rekindle his old magic and he seemed to be getting his feet wet again early last season before suffering a gruesome injury against the Falcons in Week 4. But unfortunately, the fact remains Eifert has yet to play all 16 games in a season and that docks a few points off. That said, he still has the veteran savvy and would probably be taken by most over the tights end on the Ravens.
2. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
This was a really tough call near the top. For as talented and as much upside as Njoku has, he’s yet to put it all together for an entire season. Or at least it seems like he should be producing a lot more. He did post decent numbers, right on par with Vance McDonald. But it just feels like Njoku should be a lot more explosive at this stage. The third season is typically the breakout season for a player and with all the weapons in Cleveland, perhaps the field will open up for Njoku and this will be the best season of Njoku’s career.
1. Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers
McDonald enjoyed the best season of his career in 2018, catching 50 passes for 610 yards and four touchdowns, all numbers that either set or tied his previous career bests. And now that Jesse James left Pittsburgh for Detroit, McDonald will grow even further in the Steelers’ offense. He may even post more highlight stiff arms like the one he gave Chris Conte last season.
