NFL fantasy diamonds for 2022 - Tight-ends

Hayden Hurst, Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals tight-end Hayden Hurst

Back in 2020 I said if you take one guy away from this kind of list, it was Hayden Hurst. That was after being traded to Atlanta for a second-round pick going to Baltimore.

And considering he was the TE13 based on ADP and ended up finishing top-10 in half- and full-PPR formats, that was still a pretty good call. He didn't quite live up to expectations and his numbers significantly dropped off in the 2021 NFL season, with Atlanta selecting a unicorn in the position in Kyle Pitts.

Landing in his third team in five years doesn't look great on his resume. But he presents an undervalued asset based on opportunities and the type of offense he's a part of.

The 2021 Cincinnati Bengals finished seventh in the NFL in terms of yards and touchdowns through the air. Their top tight end, C.J. Uzomah, signed a free agency deal with the New York Jets this offseason. He finished just seven yards short of 500 and scored five TDs on 63 targets in the 2021 NFL Campaign.

That was good for 15th to 17th at the position depending on the format, yet Hurst is going as the TE24 right now. I'd argue he's a more talented player in terms of his route-running, his plucky hands and the physicality he shows after the catch. We saw Uzomah feature more heavily down the stretch and particularly in the playoffs.

From what I can tell, the concern is whether Hurst will definitely be the starter in 11 personnel for the Bengals. But considering how dramatically Drew Sample's production decreased last season, as more of a designated blocking option, I don't really have any doubt who will be the beneficiary in this situation. There's three elite/really good receivers around him and a lot of opportunities to take advantage of that space created.

I believe with how Joe Burrow has already carried this team to nearly win it all, we continue to see the offense be put more in his hands. Some of those ugly run tendencies on early downs and in 12 personnel will disappear, creating more opportunities. And with defenses scared like crap having to take away Ja’Marr Chase deep, we could see Hurst have a lot more room underneath or down the seams if the safety has to shade to the outside.

I'm not saying rely on this guy to be your starter, but in two-TE leagues, in deep formats or just as a waiver target, don't overlook his name.

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