Bengals show keen interest in fast-rising wide receiver prospect

The Cincinnati Bengals have their eyes set on their next generation of wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft, one that could include Nebraska’s Samori Toure.

Out of all position groups, the Bengals’ wide receiver room probably needs the least help this offseason as the team can rely on the same ultra-dangerous trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd in 2022. Cincy did lose Auden Tate, though, so its receiver depth behind those three starters is admittedly lacking.

Heading into the 2022 draft, the Bengals will likely use their later-round picks to select a wideout prospect — they have five total picks in Rounds 4-7, so expect them to nab a wide receiver toward the end of the draft.

A reachable Day Three talent Cincy could take off the board is Nebraska’s Samori Toure, who has reportedly received interest from several teams including the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

At 24-years-old, Toure’s age makes him a less desirable prospect, but his numbers and production are at least there. Toure led the Cornhuskers with 46 receptions for 898 yards and five touchdowns in 2021, averaging 19.5 yards per catch.

Nebraska’s Samori Toure is an intriguing under-the-radar prospect for the Cincinnati Bengals

He’s blistering fast, shows solid route-running ability, and could in time develop into a mainstay in the Bengals’ wide receiver unit.

According to The Draft Network, Toure is a good athlete overall who possesses “fluid hips and good foot control” and “is best working down the field on deep routes where he can open his stride, create separation, and track the ball.” His only knocks were his lack of explosiveness and physicality that could make his transition into the NFL a steep uphill battle.

All that said, Toure has compiled an impressive reel of highlights in his college days, including breaking Randy Moss’s single-game receiving record in an FCS playoff game when he put up 303 yards against Southern Louisiana.

Toure is graded as a fourth-round value pick in the draft, but he’s the exact kind of under-the-radar prospect the Bengals are looking for in 2022.

We don’t expect Toure to magically turn into Tyler Boyd or Tee Higgins, both of whom were taken in the second round of their respective draft classes, but he shows promise, and the fact that several other teams are interested in him only ups his stock.