Bengals Select Local Product Erick All and TCU CB Josh Newton in NFL Draft

In the fourth round of the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals made a hometown pick by selecting Iowa tight end Erick All with the 115th overall pick. They continued to bolster their defense in the fifth round by drafting TCU cornerback Josh Newton with the 149th pick.

Josh Newton, standing at 5-11 and weighing 190 pounds, played a total of 61 games over his collegiate career. He spent three seasons at Lousiana-Monroe before transferring to TCU, where he earned 20 pass breakups. However, Newton's journey has not been without challenges. He suffered an ACL tear in October and had a season-ending back injury in the 2022 season after just three games.

On the other hand, Erick All, a 6-5, 260-pound tight end, brings excitement to the Bengals. All showed solid speed down the field, making him a projected second or third tight end. Despite missing the last seven games of the season due to a knee injury, All led the Iowa Hawkeyes in receiving yards with 299 and averaged 14.2 yards per catch, with three touchdowns.

All expressed his enthusiasm about joining a team with Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow tight end Mike Gesicki. He recalled watching Burrow's exceptional performances at LSU and admiring his skills. All is thrilled to have the opportunity to catch passes from him and learn from Gesicki.

Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher praised All's versatility and experience in two well-regarded college programs. Pitcher plans to utilize All in various formations, including double tight end sets and as a standalone option. With his ability to play on the move and contribute at the point of attack, All adds depth and flexibility to the Bengals' tight ends unit.

In the last 18 hours, the Bengals have made some significant draft picks. They added a former Michigan offensive captain in Erick All and a former Michigan defensive captain in tackle Kris Jenkins. This demonstrates the Bengals' commitment to players with strong football character and the recognition they have received from their teammates and peers.

Erick All will be joining a tight ends room that includes the experienced likes of Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample (who recently signed a three-year extension), and Tanner Hudson. The Bengals are confident that All's addition will further strengthen their offense and provide valuable options for quarterback Joe Burrow.

The Bengals have made strategic moves in the NFL Draft, focusing on both local talent and players with proven leadership qualities. With the addition of players like Erick All and Josh Newton, the Bengals continue to build a strong and competitive roster for the upcoming season. Training camp will be an exciting time for these new draft picks to showcase their skills and make their mark on the team.