The Cincinnati Bengals could be on the verge of losing two key receiving targets from an offense that led the NFL in passing yards this season. The most significant potential departure is wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is ranked as ESPN’s top available free agent this offseason. Additionally, the team may also lose tight end Mike Gesicki, who finished third on the team with 65 receptions.
Compounding the situation, the Bengals suffered another setback at tight end when backup Erick All tore his ACL, ruling him out for the entire 2025 season. With these concerns creating a major void at the position, the question becomes: Who will the Bengals target in the 2025 NFL Draft to replenish their tight end production?
Three tight ends the Bengals could target in the 2025 NFL Draft
Mason Taylor, LSU
If the Bengals lose Mike Gesicki in free agency, LSU’s Mason Taylor is a player they could strongly consider in the second round. Taylor holds LSU’s career records for receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,308) among tight ends, showcasing the receiving ability needed to help replace Gesicki’s 65-catch production. Beyond his pass-catching skills, Taylor is also a superior blocker compared to Gesicki. He has demonstrated the strength to win at the point of attack, earning one of the highest run-blocking grades in the 2025 NFL Draft tight end class, according to Pro Football Focus.
Mason Taylor strong hands pic.twitter.com/XhqLKp81jL
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 30, 2025
Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
A potential Day 2 selection who fits the Bengals’ mold at tight end is Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden II, a dynamic receiving threat similar to Mike Gesicki and Erick All. The 6-foot-4, 247-pound tight end holds Syracuse’s career records for receptions (141) and receiving yards (1,970) at the position, earning Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-ACC honors in 2024 after posting 73 catches for 934 yards and seven touchdowns. An athletic mismatch, Gadsden has the speed to stretch the field, frequently running post, go, and corner routes, and he thrives in contested-catch situations, securing 61% of such targets last season. While he’s not a traditional in-line tight end, he has added over 30 pounds to improve as a blocker. His natural receiving ability, strong hands, and large catch radius make him a tough cover, and he could be a perfect fit in Cincinnati.
Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s Mitchell Evans (6’5”, 260 lbs) is one of the bigger tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft and could be a solid Day 3 option for the Bengals. A physical player with strong hands, Evans excels in contested catches, securing 73% of them in 2024 while also forcing nine missed tackles and recording 21 first-down receptions. Despite spending 58% of his snaps in the slot, his blocking ability makes him a better fit as an in-line tight end at the next level. However, his lack of speed limits his ability to separate, and injuries—including a torn ACL in 2023—raise durability concerns. Still, when healthy, he plays with a bulldozing after-the-catch mentality and is tough to bring down. Evans has the size, strength, and hands to carve out a role in the NFL as a dependable depth piece