2016 AFC North Rankings by Position: Wide Receivers
By Joe Serpico
No. 1: Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers A.J. Green, Brandon Lafell and Tyler Boyd
The Bengals are going through quite the overhaul at wide receiver, but on paper, they have the top receiving corps in the division. That’s no surprise when A.J. Green is one of the best in the business.
Green has been a force since entering the league and AFC North opponents have witnessed it firsthand. He is coming off a year in which he had 86 receptions for 1,297 and 10 touchdowns. Ravens fans know far too well how dominant he has been against them. He only had 227 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3 last season.
It’s after that things get interesting. Marvin Jones left for the Detroit Lions and Mohamed Sanu is now with the Atlanta Falcons. Logically, the Bengals went out and added two receivers that should be impact players for them.
The first acquisition was former New England Patriot Brandon Lafell. Lafell did not post the numbers in 2015 like the year prior, but gives Andy Dalton a reliable No. 2 opposite Green. The Bengals would like him to put up nearly 1,000 yards and seven TDs, but they do not need him to be their No. 1 either.
Tyler Boyd will be the player to watch for Cincy. The second-round pick was unstoppable at the University of Pitt, posting at least 78 receptions and six touchdowns in all three seasons with the Panthers. Boyd is the long-term option opposite Green, and if he plays up to his potential, the Bengals could have a duo that the division will struggle with for a long time.
That’s if he can make the transition into the NFL. There is no rush to get Boyd on the field with Green and Lafell already veterans of the game. Cornerbacks in the AFC North will struggle to contain the Bengals wide outs if everyone stays healthy.
Next: The Steelers Aerial Assault