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CINCINNATI -- Now that the Cincinnati Bengals are two weeks into free agency, they have a more accurate picture of how the roster will look heading into the 2017 draft. We're taking a look at each position, how it changed in free agency and where it stands now. Previous entries: Specialists  TIGHT ENDS
Current roster: Tyler Eifert, C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Kroft Departures: None State of the position: Wide receiver A.J. Green's injury was the most significant of the season, but Eifert's might have been a close second. The Bengals had trouble keeping any of their tight ends healthy, as Eifert, Uzomah and Kroft combined to miss 15 total games. Eifert's injury hit the group the hardest, as he was the team's biggest red-zone threat in 2015 with 13 touchdowns. But back and ankle injuries limited him to 29 catches and five touchdowns last season. If the Bengals could return this position fully healthy, they won't need to look elsewhere. The team considers Kroft and Uzomah capable No. 2 and 3 options behind Eifert, who is a Pro Bowl-caliber player when able to get on the field. Eifert was optimistic about the prognosis of his late-season back surgery, but there are some questions as he enters 2017 playing out his fifth-year option. Eifert is due for a hefty new contract, but he might have to play out a full season first. He has never played an entire 16-game season. If Eifert can go through a full offseason and season, the position will be in good shape and shouldn't be a high priority in the draft.
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