Bengals Draft: Wide receiver is an underrated need in 2022 NFL Draft

When it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals‘ draft plans, a lot of people are listing the obvious positions of need like cornerback, defensive line, and tight end. One position that isn’t getting talked about much, however, is wide receiver.

Now, it’s worth noting that the aforementioned positions are far greater needs than wide receiver. Cincinnati is fortunate to have one of the best wide receiver trios in the league with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd and we saw how dangerous this offense is last season. The cherry on top here is that all three of those guys are under contract for at least the next two seasons.

Why then is wide receiver a need for the Bengals in the draft? Well, that’s an easy answer. The team doesn’t have great depth behind their three starters.

As of now, the other wide receivers on the roster are Trenton Irwin, Stanley Morgan, Trent Taylor, Mike Thomas, and Pooka Williams (who is also capable of playing running back). While things could certainly be worse in this department, the Bengals need to add help at the depth spots.

Bengals Draft: Wide receiver should be fixated on

This isn’t to say that Cincinnati should spend a first, second, or even third-round pick on a wide receiver. They have their three starters under contract for the next two years.

What they should look to do, however, is target a receiver early during the final day of the day. Some names that could make sense for them are Samori Toure of Nebraska (who they’ve been linked to already), Romeo Doubs, Justyn Ross, or Bo Melton.

Any of these players could slide in as a reserve receiver for the Bengals and they wouldn’t have the pressure of trying to impress as a starter. They’d be able to serve as a backup for at least two years and if they impress enough during that time, maybe they move up on the depth chart. If they’re okay but not starter material, then that’s okay too. They could be career backups and there’s nothing wrong with that.

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People think that because Chase, Higgins, and Boyd are all incredible wideouts that the Bengals don’t even need to think about drafting a wide receiver but that’s not the case. Finding some better backup options would be a wise move for a team that has one of the best offenses in the league.