The season is getting ready to start in a few weeks. I previously did a ranking on the AFC North running backs. You can find that article here. I wanted to go over the receivers, the division has a lot of talent at the position.
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
AFC North Rank: 1
A lot of people were concerned when the Bengals selected Chase no. 5 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Rightfully, a lot of experts expected them to select an offensive linemen to help protect Joe Burrow. The Bengals, looking back on it made the right move. They were able to add talent to the line in free agency, and Chase has been a star since day 1 and leads the pack in a loaded AFC North. I expect him to have even better production this season with a year experience under his belt.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
AFC North Rank: 2
Amari Cooper is one of the new additions to the North. Since being selected no. 4 overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2015 NFL Draft Cooper has been a very solid receiver. He has had a history of injuries which considering the lack of depth behind him could be a concern for the Browns. As long as he is healthy, pairing him with Deshaun Watson and David Njoku makes the Browns pass attack lethal. Cooper, in 7 seasons has eclipsed 1,000 yards in 5 seasons, which makes him one of the most tenured and productive guys in the division. It will be interesting to see how his season goes during the first 11 games with Jacoby Brissett as the signal caller.
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC North Rank: 3
Diontae Johnson is coming off a big payday, recently extending with the Steelers on a 2 year worth $36 million dollars. Since coming into the league Johnson has been the Steelers big play potential guy. He has also been Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite target. Diontae Johnson has had issues at time with ball security. With drops in big moments and fumbles he has had his ups and downs. Early on the drops were a much more of an issue, after an improved Pro-Bowl year in 2021. Johnson was the second most targeted receiver behind Cooper Kupp, 169 targets with only 5 drops. That is lower than big names guys such as Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Deebo Samuel Tyreek Hill. All of which had less targets, so his drop rate is also lower than these guys. With a limited QB in Ben Roethlisberger throwing the ball to him I expect his stats to improve this year with younger, more mobile guys AND Matt Canada being able to use the full arsenal of plays.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
AFC North Rank: 4
Tee Higgins has been a highly productive guy since entering the league. His rookie campaign back in 2020 when Joe Burrow went down, he still managed 67 catches 908 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is quickly emerging as a great no. 2 along side Chase. He is a very clutch guy on third downs, as a great possession receiver who needs to be accounted for, it allows others to get open. No doubt the Bengals have a tough decision coming in the future. After Spending a boat load of money on the D last year and then the offensive line this year money is running dry. Burrow will be up for a Max contract soon, rightfully deserved and Ja’Marr Chase will also need to be paid in the coming seasons. Will he take a discount to keep this team competitive?
As always, thanks so much for reading! You can always find great Steelers content here on Gridiron Heroics.