Mitchell

Wilcox

Wilcox will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. Free to sign with any team, the former undrafted free agent could draw some interest after going for 17-139-1 in a limited role last season. During his time at South Florida, Mitchell became the all-time leader in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,326), and receiving touchdowns (11) by a tight end.

Hurst will miss another game, though he was able to log limited practice sessions this week. Mitchell Wilcox, who in Week 15 against the Bucs caught three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown, will once again operate as the Bengals’ primary pass-catching tight end against New England. Wilcox is a desperation streaming option.

Hilton’s absence should be a boon for Chris Godwin in the slot. Meanwhile, Hayden Hurst will miss another game with a calf injury, and Mitchell Wilcox should function as the Bengals’ primary pass-catching tight end. Wilcox is a last-ditch streaming play.

Wilcox ran a pass route on 24 of Joe Burrow’s 38 drop backs against Cleveland but was not involved in the passing attack. Wilcox should be the team’s No. 1 tight end while Hayden Hurst is sidelined with a calf injury. Wilcox can remain on waiver wires outside 32-team fantasy leagues.

Hurst was replaced by Mitchell Wilcox in the sense that Wilcox took over his snaps and routes. However, Wilcox is unlikely to have much of a pass-catching role in the offense. Against a Browns defense that could push the Bengals to the run, Wilcox should be avoided and Hurst will be a risky play even if he suits up.

Hurst was examined by Bengals trainers and quickly ruled out -- not a great sign for his long-term availability. It’s a significant loss for Joe Burrow, who looks to Hurst as a reliable dump-off option. Mitchell Wilcox will operate as the team’s No. 1 tight end with Hurst out, and could have some fantasy appeal if Hurst misses Week 14 with the calf issue.

Wilcox (6'5/245) certainly doesn’t lack for experience as he made 38 starts across 49 appearances in South Florida’s power run offense, finishing as the program’s all-time leader in catches (100), receiving yards (1,326) and receiving touchdowns (11) by a tight end. He tends to separate against man coverage with subtle push-offs and appears fearless when running over the middle of the field, but his lack of concentration (10 dropped the past two seasons) needs improvement. His toughness isn’t in question as he ultimately recorded his best receiving line (43/540/2) in 2018 while playing through multiple nagging ankle injuries. Wilcox’s strength will hinder him at the next level, but his consistently great effort will be sufficient (and coveted) on special teams.

Wilcox (6'4/247) certainly doesn’t lack for experience as he made 38 starts across 49 appearances in South Florida’s power run offense, finishing as the program’s all-time leader in catches (100), receiving yards (1,326) and receiving touchdowns (11) by a tight end. He tends to separate against man coverage with subtle push-offs and appears fearless when running over the middle of the field, but his lack of concentration (10 dropped the past two seasons) needs improvement. His toughness isn’t in question as he ultimately recorded his best receiving line (43/540/2) in 2018 while playing through multiple nagging ankle injuries. Wilcox’s strength will hinder him at the next level, but his consistently great effort will be sufficient (and coveted) on special teams.

Wilcox was a solid performer for the Bulls, and over his last two years he caught 71 passes for 890 yards with seven touchdowns. Zierlein has concern about his hand size for someone listed at 6-foot-5, 245-pounds, and calls his approach in short-area breaks “slug-footed.” He also notes Wilcox’s toughness, and notes he’s an above-average ball tracker. "[Wilcox] can sink into a zone and make an occasional possession grab,” Zierlein writes, but [he] must get bigger and stronger as run blocking will need to become his calling card to make it.”

Wilcox (6'5/245) caught 28 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games for USF. The production level was a step back from his 2018 numbers when he caught 43 passes for 540 yards and two touchdowns. Wilcox was named first team All-AAC by both the coaches and Phil Steele in 2018. He was ranked as the fourth-best TE in the 2020 draft class by NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt and is widely considered to be a Day 3 prospect.