Bengals: Draft visit gives clues to potential 2021 receiver targets

The buzz of free agency is upon us and for a short period, the draft talk takes a back seat. However, the Cincinnati Bengals’ front office will remain fully focused on prospects as they begin to engage in official meetings with players.

One such meeting took place this week with wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette. While you shouldn’t read too much into visits, it certainly could give us an idea of the type of wideout the Bengals are looking to add.

The impending departure of veteran A.J. Green will leave a hole in the receiver room. Second-year receiver Tee Higgins and slot ace Tyler Boyd have formed the basis of a strong group, but adding another name to compete with Auden Tate for a starting berth is a must.

It appears the Bengals are hoping to find a receiver who can operate on the outside of the formation and provide a vertical speed threat.

While Higgins is excellent on contested grabs, his lack of top-end speed is what saw him fall out of the first round. Meanwhile, in Tyler Boyd, Cincy has one of the better slot receivers in the league. This particular draft class appears deep in mid-round inside guys, something the Bengals might not be too interested in.

It could be that the team uses some of their spare cap room and sign an experienced free agent. While a true WR1 is unlikely, someone like former Bills speedster John Brown may pique the interest of Duke Tobin.

Should they stay clear of the receiver market, then adding through the draft will be necessary. We are all aware of the buzz around Ja’Marr Chase and Kyle Pitts but here are three names outside of round one who may fit what the Bengals are looking for.