PFF Lists Irv Smith Jr. as a Player With Most to Lose or Gain in 2023 NFL Draft

Cincinnati holds the 28th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Apr 16, 2023 10:44 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — PFF views Irv Smith Jr. as a player with plenty at stake in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati signed the 24-year-old to a one-year deal worth up to $2 million in March.

"One of the most popular mock draft matches is fans and analysts linking Cincinnati to a top tight end," Brad Spielberger wrote. "With self-proclaimed Bengals fan Michael Mayer of Notre Dame a common selection.

"The Bengals run as much 11 personnel as any team in the NFL and figure to continue with that trend in 2023, so the second tight end in Cincinnati may not get on the field as much as they could elsewhere. Smith could be a starter on an elite offense or a depth piece behind an exciting young prospect, depending on how the draft goes."

Smith is essentially making backup tight-end money with a starter projection for Cincinnati. His role could change as Spielberger entailed.

Michael Mayer is widely considered the most pro-ready tight end on the board.

He is the consensus 25th-ranked player overall and the top tight end.

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