Bengals Rookie Young: Sell Despite Impressive Preseason

Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Colbie Young received a blunt assessment despite a promising preseason debut. Young, a fourth-round pick, logged three catches for 48 yards and showcased his potential as a red-zone threat. This performance drew praise from veteran teammate Tee Higgins, who stated he sees "a lot of me" in the rookie, highlighting Young's raw talent, hands, and route-running ability.

However, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox labeled Young as a "sell," predicting he will likely fall down the depth chart once the 2026 regular season begins. Knox cited the Bengals' existing depth at wide receiver, which includes Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, and Mike Gesicki, as a primary reason for Young's limited expected opportunities. This situation mirrors the experience of Mitchell Tinsley, who was a preseason favorite in 2025 but had minimal regular-season impact.

While Young's playing time could increase due to potential injuries, particularly given Tee Higgins' history of missed games, his current outlook suggests a competition for targets with players like Mike Gesicki. The team's overall offseason moves, despite losing a key pass rusher, have generated optimism for the 2026 season.