Eifert's impact year 1 and status of Bengals' tight end position

I have watched Tyler Eifert in-person extensively, including in every Notre Dame home game last season. When you least expect it, Eifert will strike on a fade towards the sidelines or an intermediate route over the middle. Eifert, the 22 year old from Fort Wayne, Indiana, isn't a flashy receiver; you won't see him celebrate after scoring touchdowns or demand media attention. Maybe that's why he fell a little bit lower than he should have when he was drafted 21st in this past April's NFL Draft. However, Eifert was by far the most consistent and unquestionably the best receiver in Brian Kelly's spread offense last season. When Notre Dame needed a big play, the team would dial up Eifert's number, as shown by his 113 receptions and 1,488 yards over the last two seasons and a yards per catch average of 13.7 last year. Now, instead of being one of the leaders on an elite college team, Eifert joins a group of experienced NFL players with the Bengals. 

The tight end group is crowded and talented, starting with the two-time Pro Bowler, Jermaine Gresham. Gresham was much like Eifert when he was drafted in 2010. He was the best tight end in the nation coming out of Oklahoma and had the resume to back it up. He has been criticized and heavily scrutinized for his minor but apparent problem of dropped passes. Gresham doesn't drop many, but when he does drop a pass, it seems to come in the big moments. He had multiple dropped passes in the Bengals playoff loss at Houston in January. Gresham caught two balls in that game for 7 yards after being targeted 7 times. Eifert's presence should step up Gresham's level of play. Third-year Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden will have toys to play with on the exterior of the line. Double tight end sets will be much more evident on this team next season. The 49ers (Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker) and Patriots (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez) have done this in the past with a great deal of success. Notice these teams win multiple playoff games and usually end up in the AFC and NFC Championships. Gresham and Eifert will line up on the line with their hands in the ground a lot and help with the blocking schemes if necessary, but both, especially Eifert, can run routes from the slot or across from AJ Green on the outside near the red zone. Expect the Bengals to utilize these two tight end sets at least 50% of the time because if you spend two first round picks on receiver-oriented tight ends in the past 4 years, you have to use them. 

The Bengals also have 2011 4th rounder Orson Charles and 9 year veteran Alex Smith. Smith was primarily a blocker in Cleveland the last three seasons, and if he makes the team, he should fill a similar role in Cincinnati. Charles is as talented and physically strong as anyone. He is 6'3, 250 pounds, and caught 8 passes for 101 yards from Andy Dalton last season. The West Coast Offense fits Charles' skill set well. If he can adapt to an NFL style of play, Charles could have a very high upside as a 3rd tight end in the system. The tight end position will be one of the deepest and most competitive positions for the Bengals in 2013-14. It will also be arguably the team's most important position. If Gresham and Eifert play well, the offense as a whole will improve from 22nd to a spot in the top 10.