Sample is never going to win anybody's fantasy league, but he does the unglamorous stuff this offense needs. He started 12 games, played all 17 and handled the blocking assignments that let Gesicki work as a receiver. Fifteen catches for 106 yards tells you exactly what the passing role is. I have him at a six because he is a solid starter within his lane: tough, assignment-sound and available. Defenses do not fear him running routes, though, and that can make the personnel package predictable if Cincinnati leans on it too much.
Strengths: Sample is a dependable in-line blocker with the size and technique to handle defensive ends or work to the second level. He understands protection, rarely needs targets and has missed very little time recently.
Weaknesses: He offers minimal separation and after-catch juice, so defenses can treat him as a low-priority receiving option. His limited route threat narrows the offense's disguise when he is the lone tight end.
