AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Chiefs

Bengals

Bengals free agent TE Tyler Eifert admitted that he was “pretty frustrating” to suffer another back injury that eventually led to him being placed on season-ending injured reserve.

“It was pretty frustrating and I was pretty down thinking about my future and what was in front of me and now what the situation is,” Eifert told Jim Owczarski of the Enquirer. “I got over that pretty quickly, just going back to the mindset I’ve always had, which is I just can’t control that stuff. I put myself in a good position after the last surgery to be ready to go and then this pops up again. If there’s something I could’ve done different, then I would have regrets. But I’ve just got to let the pieces fall where they may and control what I can.”

Eifert said that he fully expects to get back to his peak form, despite the injuries he’s dealt with.

“No,” Eifert said when asked if he thought about possibly retiring due to the injuries he’s dealt with. “No. If I didn’t think that I could get back to being a dominant player then yeah, I probably would. But there’s no question I can get back to where I’ve been.”

We have him featured in our Top 100  – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Browns

• Tony Grossi writes that while the Browns may like Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield‘s bravado, he doesn’t think Cleveland views him as a viable offensive fit, despite the recent reports.
• Grossi guesses that the Browns have the quarterback prospects rated as: 1) Sam Darnold, 2) Josh Allen, 3) Baker Mayfield, and 4) Josh Rosen.
• Even with the solid showing at the Combine, Grossi doesn’t think Penn State RB Saquon Barkley will be selected by the Browns at either No. 1 or No. 4 overall.
• A source told Grossi that he believes Sam Bradford would be new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s top pick.
• Grossi can see the Browns moving quickly on a veteran quarterback at the start of free agency.
• If the Rams end up retaining S Lamarcus Joyner, Grossi thinks Chargers free agent S Tre Boston could be someone to watch for Cleveland.

Chiefs

Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs had formal interviews with several defensive back prospects including:

• Louisville CB Jaire Alexander
• Tennessee CB Rashaan Gaulden
• Auburn CB Carlton Davis
• Louisiana State CB Donte Jackson
• Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson
• Louisiana-Lafayette S Trey Walker