Cincinnati Bengals: What to expect from Tee Higgins in 2021

Second-year wide receiver Tee Higgins had a remarkable rookie campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals after being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, making his mark early alongside teammate Joe Burrow with their instant chemistry and natural connection.

Last year, Higgins had 67 catches (tying Cris Collinsworth for most as a rookie in Bengals history), 908 yards, six touchdowns, and averaged 13.6 yards per reception. His 6’4″, 216-pound frame allows him to resemble former Bengals receiver A.J. Green using his height and length to benefit his game when creating separation against his defender.

Some may think that first-round pick Ja’Marr Chase in the receiver room could limit Higgins’ targets, and it may. However, with three excellent receivers (including Tyler Boyd), the opportunities for Higgins to see 1-on-1 looks are also going to be higher because of the inability to double team him with other dynamic options on the field.

Now, not only are Bengals fans setting high expectations for Higgins this season, but he is as well. Per ESPN’s Ben Baby, Tee Higgins wants to be a 1,000-yard receiver, a Pro Bowler, and most importantly, make the playoffs, which would be the first time since 2015, where they lost a heartbreaking wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tee Higgins should have a massive year for the Cincinnati Bengals.

With training camp in full form, Higgins has been nothing short of impressive and it’s not hard to see all of his traits improve. He’s faster, stronger, a better route-runner, and he’s a lot more vocal.

Ultimately, We’ll see where things go this season, but he is a pivotal player to watch when talking about who can have a breakout year along with implementing himself as a league-known wide receiver around the NFL.

Per FOX’s Joe Danneman, Burrow spent an extra 5-7 minutes after practice working on throwing deep balls with Higgins and Chase. It’s clear this team is very committed to changing the culture, and as fans, that’s all you can ask. But the production will need to be there on the field for the Bengals to get in the win column, especially in a very competitive AFC North.

Bengals nation should be excited about the positive strides Higgins is taking, and he is bound for a big season. Now he will have to go out and prove it in the upcoming weeks as the season approaches, but he is destined to put the rest of the NFL on notice in year two.