Tyler Eifert is one of the league's very best tight ends, but as with other elite players at this position (Rob Gronkowski, Jordan Reed) you're taking on considerable injury risk. Eifert underwent offseason back surgery, dealing with an issue that caused him to miss eight games last season. He also missed three games in 2015.
Eifert expects to be ready for training camp, though, so good news for those hoping to draft him. And the Bengals, since he's been a prolific scorer for them -- better than any other tight end over the last two seasons, even with those 11 missed games.
Eifert has caught 18 TDs the last two seasons. Only Reed is within 4 of him. Pretty impressive.
Tight end touchdown totals over the last two seasons are shown below. Everyone with at least 4 is listed.
| TIGHT END TDS, 2015-2016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | '15 | '16 | Tot |
| Tyler Eifert, Cin. | 13 | 5 | 18 |
| Jordan Reed, Wash. | 11 | 6 | 17 |
| Rob Gronkowski, N.E. | 11 | 3 | 14 |
| Delanie Walker, Tenn. | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| Antonio Gates, S.D. | 5 | 7 | 12 |
| Kyle Rudolph, Minn. | 5 | 7 | 12 |
| Cameron Brate, T.B. | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| Gary Barnidge, Clev. | 9 | 2 | 11 |
| Martellus Bennett, N.E. | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Greg Olsen, Car. | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| Richard Rodgers, G.B. | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Zach Miller, Chi. | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Julius Thomas, Jac. | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Travis Kelce, K.C. | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Hunter Henry, S.D. | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Jimmy Graham, Sea. | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Dwayne Allen, Ind. | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Charles Clay, Buff. | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Coby Fleener, N.O. | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Vance McDonald, S.F. | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Eric Ebron, Det. | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Jack Doyle, Ind. | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Zach Ertz, Phil. | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Jason Witten, Dall. | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Clive Walford, Oak. | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Garrett Celek, S.F. | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Benjamin Watson, N.O. | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| C.J. Fiedorowicz, Hou. | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Dion Sims, Mia. | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Austin Seferian-Jenkins, 2TM | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Crockett Gillmore, Balt. | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Ladarius Green, Pitt. | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Jacob Tamme, Atl. | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Jesse James, Pitt. | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Ryan Griffin, Hou. | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lance Kendricks, L.A. | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Anthony Fasano, Tenn. | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Darren Fells, Ariz. | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Jordan Cameron, Mia. | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Will Tye, NYG | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Scott Chandler, N.E. | 4 | 0 | 4 |
--Andy Richardson