Cincinnati Bengals training camp observations: Why Hayden Hurst works in the offense

During organized team activities in May and June, new Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst said he felt like his head was spinning. After signing with the team in free agency, he had to immediately learn a brand new offense where he was the only new skill position player.

Through the first two days of training camp, Hurst has found his role in the Bengals’ offense. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has run designed plays for Hurst, and Hurst made the play of the day on Thursday with a leaping catch down the middle of the field for a 20-yard pickup.

“I had outside leverage on man coverage,” Hurst said. “I had the guy leaning. I used my release, my quickness and my suddenness to get inside,…