Bengals Training Camp Preview: WR
Players:
1. Ja’Marr Chase
5. Tee Higgins
80. Andrei Iosivas
81. Jermaine Burton
15. Charlie Jones
18. Isaiah Williams
19. Kendric Pryor
14. Jordan Moore
17. Cole Burgess
16. Jamoi Mayes
12. Rashod Owens
82. Mitchell Tinsley
A lot of the weight of this upcoming season will fall on Joe Burrow’s shoulders. However, the WR’s will also be expected to carry a significant load. After all, sitting atop the depth chart are two superstars who just signed massive contract extensions to remain in Cincinnati long term.
Chase and Higgins will start on the boundary, and we also will likely see the two of them move around a little bit, getting some snaps in the slot. But regardless of where they are aligned, the passing game will flow through the two of them.
The depth does get quite a bit thinner as we continue on, which isn’t really unexpected, given that the top two guys are taking up such a big chunk of cap space.
Iosivas enters the camp as the WR3, and it will very much be his job to lose. Last season was his first in that full time role, and he showed some nice flashes. He’s got a big frame and strong hands, which he used to make some tough catches down the field. He also has a particular knack for finding the end zone.
With all that being said, there were also a lot of times where Iosivas disappeared, especially in instances where the team was missing Higgins. While he is the front runner for the job, his inconsistencies will leave the door open for someone else to overtake the spot at some point—likely during the season, rather than before it.
I said for someone to take the spot, but really, the only challenger is Burton. Most of us know the deal with him by now; a very talented player who had his rookie season derailed by maturity issues. At one point, there were even some wondering if he would get cut.
Burton, however, remains a Bengal. Up to this point in the offseason, it seems like he has done everything right. The coaching staff and Joe Burrow have both complimented him for the work he has been putting in.
As far as talent goes, Burton goes well beyond Iosivas. If the second year wideout can keep on the straight and narrow, it would not be a surprise to see him eventually claim the WR3 spot. But with all that has happened, it is probably more likely right now that the Bengals take the safer route with Iosivas as the WR3, and Burton as the 4. Hopefully, though, we get to see a battle take place. It would be a disappointment for things to go south, and have the conversation revert back to whether or not the Bengals should release Burton.
Continuing on down the list, Jones is the most established of the bunch, and has some draft pedigree as well. He hasn’t particularly done much on offence, but has had some good moments in the return game. Unless the Bengals find themselves with some surprise standouts, Jones should make it for his special teams value. But they’ll also be hoping to see more offensive development.
The competition really becomes a free for all by the time we get to the 6th spot. Not only are the rest of the players competing against each other, but they also must convince the team to keep 6 or possibly 7 WR’s. Because keeping just 5 is not out of the question, depending on how the numbers shake out at other positions.
My guess is that Williams is next up on the depth chart entering camp. He was claimed off waivers by the Bengals in November of last year, sticking it out on the roster the rest of the way. He got some work in the return game, which may give him a leg up for that potential last spot or two.
Despite Williams spending time on the roster last season, Pryor is a name I wouldn’t count out from the competition. In fact, in my early 53 man roster predictions, I gave him the last spot. Pryor, not long ago, had a very impressive preseason for the Bengals. I think he has more offensive upside. If he can show it once again, it may help him get on the roster.
The rest of the bunch shouldn’t be counted out completely, but they are the clear long shots of the field. While any one of them could surprise, it is more likely that they will be vying for a spot on the practice squad, at the end of the day.
Moore is a rookie UDFA, and was once a college QB before converting to WR. For his relative lack of experience at the position, he is a surprisingly good route runner. He is someone who could make some noise, if given the opportunity.
Burgess was a UDFA signing last year, and spent the season on the practice squad. He’s got some quickness to his game, and has an outside shot if he can build on what he learned as a rookie.
Mayes and Owens are both rookie UDFA’s. Mayes projects as a slot receiver with decent quickness, but underwhelming speed and size. Owens, meanwhile, is a big, physical receiver with strong hands, but sub par athleticism. Both players have one thing or another to cling to, but also have big enough weaknesses to make it an uphill battle.
Tinsley rounds out the group. The 2023 UDFA spent last season on Washington’s practice squad after making their roster during his rookie season. He played in a couple of games, mostly on special teams, but did not record any stats. Tinsley signed a futures deal with the Bengals in February. Like some of the others mentioned, he’ll have an uphill battle to find a spot, and it will be important that he takes advantage of any opportunity that he gets.
