Bengals have open battle for No. 4 receiver spot
Cincinnati Bengals receivers Ja'marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have always played well in their roles. But since the Bengals didn't add a veteran backup wide receiver during the offseason, they'll need a former undrafted free agent or practice squad pickup to carve out a role in the offense in 2022.
Mike Thomas, who has played in coach Zac Taylor's offense since Taylor started coaching the Los Angeles Rams, is expected to start the season as the Bengals' No. 4 receiver. He has the most experience and the best understanding of the nuances of the offense.
“My game has slowed down,” Thomas said. “I'm reading the defense, slowing it down and taking a picture of the defense before every play. I'm just staying in control. I need to keep making sure I'm doing what I've got to do to make plays. I can go up and get it and stretch the field and make big catches.”
Stanley Morgan Jr., Pooka Williams and Kwamie Lassiter II offer more upside than Thomas. Morgan Jr. has carved out a role as a physical, selfless wide receiver. Since 2020, the coaches have told him that more precise route running could earn him more snaps as an outside threat who has the size and strength to make tough catches.
Williams, a former running back, made the best play of OTAS by reeling in a leaping catch on the sideline. He's the Bengals' second-fastest wide receiver behind Chase, and Williams would be a good fit in a “gadget role” if he shows enough consistency and ability as a run blocker.
Lassiter II earned reps with the first team offense during OTAS because of his route running, kick-return quality speed and dependable hands.
“I know what I can do as a route runner,” Lassiter II said. “I'm studying Tee, Jamarr and Tyler every day. I can play inside and outside. Now it's just putting it all together.”
Trenton Irwin and Trent Taylor could enter the mix as they compete for roles as a backup slot receiver. They were barely featured in the offense in 2021. Irwin showed in the preseason that he can make extremely tough catches through contact over the middle. Taylor caught a crucial two-point conversion in the AFC Championship Game and is the favorite as the Bengals' punt returner.