5 breakout stars to watch for Cincinnati Bengals in 2020
![MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 22: C.J. Uzomah #87 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball in front of Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during an NFL game on December 22, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Bengals 38-35 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 22: C.J. Uzomah #87 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball in front of Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during an NFL game on December 22, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Bengals 38-35 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0bd44b89578dc7fb154192f658db872ac389c8c6291660d42b62095a0730bb9a.jpg)
3. TE C.J. Uzomah
It’s somewhat interesting to note that back in 2013, the Cincinnati Bengals used the 21st overall pick in the draft to select Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. The talented former Golden Domer certainly had his moments. In 2015, he enjoyed a career year after missing all but one game the previous year. He played in 13 contests and finished with 52 receptions, good for 615 yards and 13 scores on the way to a Pro Bowl invitation.
But his NFL career was also highlighted by his inability to stay healthy. Ironically, he played in all 16 games this past season for the first time period in seven years with the franchise. But he also opted for free agency in March and is now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Over the past two seasons, C.J. Uzomah has played in all 32 games, started 31 contests and totaled a combined 70 catches for 618 yards and five scores. His best year came in ’18 when he snared 43 passes. The Bengals are certainly hoping for bigger things from 2019 second-round pick Drew Sample, who appeared in only nine contests as a rookie and caught just five passes. But it’s the imposing Uzomah that bears watching.
Next: No. 2