Bengals VERSATILE Tight End Group Could BOOST Offense as Erick All's Recovery Progresses
The Cincinnati Bengals' tight end room is poised for a transformative season in 2026, thanks to the promising recovery of Eric All, whose return could elevate the position from a weakness to a strategic strength. Hosts Joe Goodberry and Jake Liscoe argue that All’s versatility—capable of lining up as an inline blocker, slot receiver, H-back, or fullback—creates unprecedented offensive flexibility, especially in 12-personnel packages. This contrasts sharply with the current roster’s reliance on specialized players like Drew Sample, who excels at blocking but lacks receiving upside, and Mike Gusecki, a high-volume target but poor blocker. The real excitement lies in the potential synergy: All’s athleticism combined with Jack Endries’ emerging skill set could allow the Bengals to deploy multiple threat types from the same personnel group, keeping defenses guessing. The episode builds a compelling case that the sum of the tight end room—thanks to diversity in skill sets and the possibility of reduced dependency on Sample—could exceed the value of any single star. The hosts emphasize that while no Bengals tight end is a Pro Bowl-caliber talent, the depth and versatility could make this one of the most tactically flexible units in the NFL. With All’s return, the Bengals may no longer need a dedicated 'Drew Sample backup,' freeing up roster space and allowing younger players like Endries to develop.
Eric All’s return to full health could make the Bengals’ tight end room a strategic asset due to his ability to play in four different alignments with confidence.
The Bengals may no longer need a dedicated 'Drew Sample backup' if Eric All and Jack Endries can handle both blocking and receiving duties.
Versatility in the tight end room allows for more deceptive 12-personnel packages, keeping defenses honest and increasing play-action efficiency.
Jack Endries has the potential to bridge the gap between Mike Gusecki’s receiving ability and Drew Sample’s blocking prowess.
The sum of the tight end room could be greater than its parts, creating offensive flexibility that’s rare in the NFL.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Locked On Bengals & Introduction to the Tight End Discussion
The episode opens with a promotional segment for the Everydayer Club and a preview of the tight end position focus. The hosts introduce the central theme: Eric All’s recovery could transform the Bengals’ tight end room into a strategic strength.
Eric All’s Return: A Game-Changer for the Bengals' Offense
“It sure looked like they expect him to be a big contributor in 2026, which... you know, and I thought I had the same kind of like light bulb when Tregs, when I mentioned, you know, is it a lock that he's on the roster? Tregs opened up when he was with us. Like, yeah, not just a lock. Like he looks like and expected to be a big part of this offense.”
The Value of Versatility: Why Eric All Changes the Game
“If you can get it in two players, even better if you're deep at that spot, it gives you so much more flexibility and what you're doing with the same personnel groups. You can go out there and hit defenses with numerous different looks from the same package.”
The Problem with Specialization: Why the Bengals Need Balance
“You can't do it to Mike Gusecki's because neither of them can block. So you have to be able to honestly threaten both things at some point. You can't because when you are that one dimensional, you know exactly what those guys are doing when they're on the field.”
In-Depth Breakdown of Each Tight End: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Roles
The hosts analyze each tight end’s skill set—Gusecki’s vertical receiving, Sample’s blocking, Hudson’s reliability, Grandy’s potential, and Endries’ versatility—and how they complement each other.
“If you can get it in two players, even better if you're deep at that spot, it gives you so much more flexibility and what you're doing with the same personnel groups. You can go out there and hit defenses with numerous different looks from the same package.”
“It sure looked like they expect him to be a big contributor in 2026, which... you know, and I thought I had the same kind of like light bulb when Tregs, when I mentioned, you know, is it a lock that he's on the roster? Tregs opened up when he was with us. Like, yeah, not just a lock. Like he looks like and expected to be a big part of this offense.”
“You can't do it to Mike Gusecki's because neither of them can block. So you have to be able to honestly threaten both things at some point. You can't because when you are that one dimensional, you know exactly what those guys are doing when they're on the field.”
Hosts
eric all
person
joe goodberry
person
jake liscoe
person
drew sample
person
mike gusecki
person
jack endries
person
cam grandy
person
tanner hudson
person
jamar chase
person
tee higgins
person
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