In recent years, the Cincinnati Bengals have become known for taking the best player available during the draft, even if that player’s position isn’t a pressing need.  So while some were shocked that the Bengals decided to pull the trigger on a tight end at No. 21 overall, despite having Jermaine Gresham on the roster, I think this was a great pick.  Eifert fits the bill of an elite, pass-catching tight end ala Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski, something that any team looking for offensive firepower can’t really pass up on.  So what kind of impact will Eifert have on the Bengals’ offense in 2013? More importantly (for this article, anyway), what impact will he have on your fantasy football roster?  Keep reading to find out!
 

Once defenses figured out that the only real weapons available to Andy Dalton last season were A.J. Green and (to a lesser extent) Gresham, the Bengals offense really slowed down and became stagnant, much to the chagrin of fantasy owners everywhere.  Eifert can stretch the field like a tall, strong and fast receiver, ala Calvin Johnson and line up outside, in the slot or next to the tackle.  Eifert, along with fellow rookie Giovani Bernard, seriously helps balance this offense and helps solidify their ability to put up big numbers, consistently, for an entire season. 

It’s highly unlikely that Eifert will steel targets away from Green in 2013.  In fact, there’s a pretty good chance that Green may benefit from addition targets and receptions this season because opposing defenses won’t be able to double up on him as frequently.  Instead, Eifert will probably get the second-most targets from Dalton, likely causing a drop in Mohamed Sanu’s and Gresham’s targets. 

Eifert is going to make an instant impact in the NFL, and will only get better moving forward.  He’s a great TE1 option in standard, PPR and dynasty leagues. 

2013 Stat Projections: 70 receptions, 945 yards and six touchdowns.