NFL
By Jalen Willingham
The preseason is where you get to see your latest drafted rookies in action alongside guys fighting for a roster spot. Bengals 2023 sixth-round draft pick Andrei Iosivas has so far exceeded expectations. He’s shown that he can be a mismatch due to his 6’4 frame and 4.40 speed. The wide receiver out of Princeton has been much better than expected and could possibly see snaps in the regular season as well.
Andrei Iosivas was a first-team all-conference player who led Princeton with 66 catches for 943 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022. Iosivas finished his time with the Tigers ranking sixth in receiving yards, 12th in catches, and tied for third in touchdowns. He’s also the only 2023 draft pick to come from an Ivy League school.
It was expected that 2023 would be mostly a developmental year for both rookie Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones, but Iosivas especially has shown flashes of a viable pass catcher in year one. In just two preseason games played, Iosivas is already their most targeted receiver in the preseason in 10 years. While it is still preseason, it still counts for something.
Andrei Iosivas has 20 preseason targets in 2 games so far.
The Bengals haven't had a WR see this much action in Preseason since Cobi Hamilton matched 20 targets over 4 games in 2014.
Others with 19: Kendric Pryor (2022), Cody Core (2019)
18 targets: Ventrell Bryant (2019),…
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) August 19, 2023
He’s also shown that he can be used in special teams as well. That stands out because it’s the first time Iosivas has played special teams in his entire football career according to other Bengals reporters
While many people may be surprised to see what Iosivas has been doing, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan thinks otherwise when asked about the rookie. Here’s what he said:
“Surprise is probably the wrong word. I was curious to see what he would look like coming from an Ivy League school (Princeton) and not playing at a level some of these guys play at. I liked to see where his football knowledge and his ability to play against NFL-style coverages and players and he’s certainly shown well for himself and happy with what we’ve seen.”
The problem that the Bengals ran into last year was that when Tyler Boyd went down in the AFC Championship, no one could step up and be a viable receiving threat to take the attention off of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That’s why Cincinnati took the time to grab two more pass catchers with great speed and playmaking ability.
Is Andrei Iosivas starting over Chase, Higgins or Boyd? Absolutely not. It was originally a question of whether or not he’d be active on Sunday , but that discussion has been getting put to bed as of late. Instead of being seen as a project in his rookie season, Iosivas however may be ready to be an active player behind the great trio when the regular season finally rolls around. He could prove to be a crucial player for Bengals teams of the future.
