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Bengals Draft: 5 reasons why Jake Ferguson is the best TE option

By Glenn Adams

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 11: Jake Ferguson #84 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs onto the field before the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. Badgers defeated the Eagles 34-7. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 11: Jake Ferguson #84 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs onto the field before the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. Badgers defeated the Eagles 34-7. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Jake Ferguson – Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cincinnati Bengals are interested in tight ends in the 2022 NFL Draft. They have met with several prospects, including Greg Dulcich, Isaiah Likely, Grant Calcaterra, and the consensus number one tight end prospect, Trey McBride. However, the Bengals have yet to meet with the best option for them, Wisconsin’s Jake Ferguson.

Here are five reasons why Ferguson makes the most sense for the Bengals.

Pass protection and run blocking

Ferguson is perhaps the best pass blocking tight end in this year’s draft. While that is not what most people think of with the position, it is absolutely a consideration for the Bengals.

Zac Taylor insists on having tight ends block defensive ends, one on one. Usually, it is by design. Sometimes, it happens because of what the defense shows pre-snap. However we end up there, it happens too often, generally ending in a sack or at least a pressure.

Ferguson has experience pass blocking some of college football’s best edge defenders. He held his own against Notre Dame’s Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Michigan’s prolific duo, Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo.

Ferguson is an excellent run blocker as well and that is to be expected coming from Wisconsin. He is a “glass eater” in the run game.

Ferguson executes blocks from a variety of positions. He can block defensive ends head up from an inline position or line up as a “wing” and pull leading running backs through the middle of the line. He also lines up as a classic fullback sometimes.

More importantly, Ferguson showed the ability to recognize and pick up blitzes in pass protection. Something that is a must to help keep Joe Burrow upright next year.