Erick All Returns to Field

What They're Saying

Bengals HC Zac Taylor after the draft in April: "Obviously, the injuries are what allowed him to come to us. Otherwise, I don’t think there’s any shot in the world (that) he was there when we got him. The tape spoke very loudly on him, and I think he’s a really good fit for us."

Hobson reported that Cincinnati considered taking All as early as No. 80 overall.

More from Taylor: "I think he can have true separation as a route runner and a catcher. ... They use him down the field. ... He can be a point-of-attack blocker. He likes the physicality aspect of that and he's willing to do it."

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

All carries plenty of long-term intrigue, but don't bet on much 2024 impact.

The Bengals added TE Mike Gesicki this offseason to a depth chart that returns Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson. They also drafted Tanner McLachlan in Round 6.

It's unlikely that all five of those TEs make the regular-season roster. We'll see exactly how the Bengals sort it all out. But the team has plenty available at the position to avoid hurrying All into action.

Nevertheless, it's clearly a positive sign that Cincinnati's activating the rookie TE before the end of July.

Dynasty Impact

Our rookie rankings have had All late in Round 4 of dynasty rookie drafts. He's a particularly attractive pick when he makes it to Round 5.

All impressed with his athleticism across two college stops. And he immediately became a key target in his lone season at Iowa, despite transferring from Michigan after back surgery.