Bengals met with Cincinnati TE Joe Royer at NFL Combine

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 29: Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Joe Royer (#11) breaks away from TCU Horned Frogs safety Jamel Johnson (#2) during the college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and Cincinnati Bearcats on November 29, 2025 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Everyone knows the Cincinnati Bengals need to improve their defense.

However, they can not neglect the offensive side of the ball. There are a few sneaky areas the team can add depth to that could easily push them over the edge offensively.

The team met with one potential player in University of Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer at the NFL Combine, according to Gabi Sorrentino.

Royer talks about meeting with the tight end coach for the Bengals, and it being more about getting to know each other than ball." Royer - to his credit - is a pretty reliable receiving threat. He understands zone concepts and easily finds the areas to sit down.

An issue he will run into is his athletic profile. He is not a slouch by any means, but he lacks the ability to create after the catch and consistently outrun man coverage. His route-running ability does help quite a bit, though.

And as with many receiving tight ends out of college, he will need to work on his run blocking ability and functional strength.

The Bengals have Mike Gesicki for a few more years. However, behind him, he might need some more time to develop. Erik All is coming off major knee surgery, so who knows what kind of player he will be when he returns to the fold. The team is bringing back Tanner Hudson, but they likely will let Noah Fant walk in free agency. But again, youth is the issue.

Royer could be a nice Day 3 pick who could develop into a reliable player down the road for the team.

What are your thoughts on Royer?

90 seconds with UC Tight End Joe Royer at the combine.

Royer confirms he met with the #Bengals. @FOX19#Bearcatspic.twitter.com/MNa1mp0DxP

- Gabi Sorrentino (@GSorrentinoTV) February 26, 2026