Why a tight end in the first round is unlikely for the Bengals

Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesZac Taylor ushered in a new era for the Cincinnati Bengals with the franchise’s first playoff win in more than 30 years. The snake-bit days of one-and-done in the first round of the playoffs appear to be over. This team has revolutionized its approach by spending in free agency, firing maligned coaches, like Jim Turner, and even building an indoor practice facility.

Yet, the Bengals’ draft strategy is built upon a bedrock that remains undisturbed.

We must go all the way back to 2008 when the Bengals took linebacker Keith Rivers with the ninth overall pick to find a first-round pick that was not a wide receiver, tight end, defensive back,…