After dominating during his collegiate career with the Clemson Tigers, Tee Higgins fell to the Cincinnati Bengals at 33rd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Many analysts viewed Higgins as a first-round selection, but the Bengals got lucky, grabbing the 6-4 jump-ball expert at the top of the second-round.
Before the draft, Cincinnati already boasted a unique collection of talented wide receivers. After sitting out for the entire 2019 season, A.J. Green is healthy and ready for action. During Green’s extended absences over the past two years, Tyler Boyd posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. John Ross remains an enigma, but he flashed potential in eight games last year.
Higgins joins a talented wide receiver room in Cincinnati, which could limit his targets early in 2020. A shortened offseason and lack of preseason games also pose challenges for incoming rookies. The chaos caused by the pandemic could impact all new players as they get thrown onto the front line in Week 1.
Given the hectic nature of the 2020 offseason, Cincinnati might limit Higgins early in the year. However, the star Clemson product doesn’t need his hand held. In college, Higgins regularly made defensive backs look foolish as he elevated for contested catches and sparked Clemson’s offense.
When all their receivers are healthy, the Bengals arguably possess one of the top five receiving corps in the NFL. Even during his rookie season, Higgins could play a significant role in elevating Cincinnati’s play.
