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Bengals Roster: Realistic expectations for Jaivon Heiligh in 2022

By Leigh Oleszczak

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh (15) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bengals preseason training camp at the Paul Brown Stadium training facility in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 28, 2022.Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 174
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh (15) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bengals preseason training camp at the Paul Brown Stadium training facility in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 28, 2022.Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 174 /
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The Cincinnati Bengals signed Jaivon Heiligh as an undrafted free agent earlier this offseason. What should be expected of the Coastal Carolina product? 

While the Cincinnati Bengals are fortunate to have one of the best wide receiver trios in the league, they have to figure out what the depth behind that trio is going to look like this season. Jaivon Heiligh hopes to throw his hat into the ring of possible depth pieces at wide receiver.

Heiligh, who went undrafted despite totaling 1,128 yards and seven touchdowns during his senior season with the Chanticleers, entered his NFL career knowing that it’d be tough to stick on any roster but Cincinnati should be a good spot for him.

As mentioned above, the team’s depth behind Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd leaves a lot to be desired and that could work in Heiligh’s favor. He’ll have to show some juice in camp and in the preseason while also hoping that veterans like Trenton Irwin and Pooka Williams fall flat of expectations.

What should Bengals fans expect from Jaivon Heiligh?

Truthfully, I could see Heiligh or any of the UDFA wide receivers making the Bengals’ 53-man roster. He’s clearly shown that he can rack up the yards and touchdowns (and yes, I’m aware that he played in the Sun Belt Conference) and can be an offensive weapon for his team.

At the same time, it’ll be a tough road for the Chanticleer. Guys like Stanley Morgan, Mike Thomas, and Trent Taylor have all proven themselves to this team so if Heiligh wants to stick on the final roster, he needs to show that he can make an impact on special teams.

There really hasn’t been much buzz on Heiligh so far in camp, which isn’t a bad sign by any means. It’ll be more important for him to step up in the preseason games.

If nothing else, Heiligh could be a practice squad candidate and that’s not a bad thing for an undrafted rookie. I’d like to see him make the team but at the same time, even if he does, unless there are a lot of injuries, he’s probably not going to be much more than a special teams contributor.

Next. 3 Questions That Need Answered in Camp. dark

What expectations do you have for Jaivon Heiligh this year?