4 wide receivers the Bengals should target on Day 2

Playmakers for Burrow

In all likelihood, Tyler Boyd has played his last snap for the Cincinnati Bengals. And although he will be there in the fall, Tee Higgins seems unlikely to return to Cincinnati in 2024.

That means the Bengals need a slot receiver for now and may need an outside receiver for next year. They drafted two receivers on Day 3 a year ago. Charlie Jones had a punt return touchdown, but the slot receiver didn’t get much opportunity to prove himself on defense.

Andrei Iosivas did some nice things when he saw the field, but he will need to take a big step forward if he is going to be the guy on the outside.

With a deep wide receiver draft potentially pushing talent down to lower picks than they deserve, the Bengals would be wise to draft a versatile slot on Day 2. This would give them a talent who can step in and make an impact in Year 1 while giving them flexibility with their young receivers and insurance in case one or both do not develop as planned. It would also allow Ja’Marr Chase to line up in the slot and take advantage of favorable matchups.

Here are four players who fit the bill.

Ladd McConkey – Georgia – 6-0, 185 – 22 years old

Ladd McConkey ran through the gauntlet at the NFL Combine more smoothly and naturally than most people walk. He has incredible hands that could reliably move the chains for the Bengals offense. He had success both inside and outside for the Bulldogs, running excellent routes and showcasing fantastic agility. McConkey could play on the outside but projects very well as a slot receiver. He would give the Bengals exactly what they need to replace Tyler Boyd and another star to offset the potential loss of Tee Higgins in a year.

Xavier Worthy – Texas – 5-11, 165 – 20 years old

John Ross is no longer the fastest man in the history of the NFL Combine, but make no mistake, Xavier Worthy is more than just fast. With a mix of both short-area explosiveness and nuance, he runs some incredible routes. Worthy is a dynamic threat to get open underneath, with big-play ability after the catch. His speed also makes him an asset on the outside, where he can push the field vertically. Additionally, he is a skilled return man, which could bring added value, particularly with the new kickoff rule.

Malachi Corley – Western Kentucky – 5-11, 210 – 22 years old

Malachi Corely gives you a lot of what Ja’Marr Chase gives you in the slot but in a thicker, more powerful frame. Corely is excellent after the catch. He moves like a running back and one who likes contact at that. Corely has excellent hands and concentration. He transitions seamlessly from receiver to ball carrier, turning short catches into big plays. He could make for a very interesting complement to this offense, particularly with Mike Gesicki providing a different sort of physicality inside.

Ricky Pearsall – Florida – 6-1, 190 – 23 years old

Ricky Pearsall makes some crazy catches. He tracks the ball very well and makes fantastic adjustments in the air. He gets in and out of breaks quickly and gets to his top gear quickly. He also throws out a pretty nifty stop-and-start move after the catch. Pearsall can make the tough catch and move the chains, but he also stretches the field both vertically and horizontally.

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