It is hard to complain about the offseason the Cincinnati Bengals have had so far. While there were some unpleasant moments, such as All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson leaving in free agency to join the division rival Baltimore Ravens, the team’s moves have raised expectations heading into the 2026 season.
Cincinnati’s defense was the major issue during the 2025 season, as it allowed the third-most points, which led the team to have their worst record since 2020, despite having a top-10 offense. That led to Cincinnati undergoing a defensive makeover, which appears to have raised the ceiling for this Bengals team.
Additionally, training camp has seen a few young players emerge and featured some unexpected players providing a spark during the preseason. Whether that translates over to the regular season remains to be seen, but it is hard not to be encouraged after two strong wins by the team in the preseason.
Cincinnati Bengals Rookie Receives Blunt Take
Unfortunately for one Cincinnati Bengals rookie, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox does not appear to be buying into the strong offseason of fourth-round pick Colbie Young. Instead, Knox listed Young as a “sell” despite impressing.
Knox wrote: “Like Stribling, Cincinnati Bengals fourth-round pick Colbie Young is ready to have an instant impact as a rookie, right? Based on his performance on Saturday night, one might believe so.
The 6’4″, 218-pound Georgia product logged three catches and led the Bengals with 48 receiving yards. He also used his size and ball skills to show what sort of red-zone threat he could be for Cincinnati.
However, while Stribling is likely to have a big role right away in San Francisco, Young will probably tumble down the depth chart once the regular season begins.
Sure, having a tall, big-bodied receiver can be beneficial near the goal line. However, the Bengals already have premium red-zone targets in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, and Mike Gesicki. The reality is that Young just isn’t likely to see many opportunities in Cincinnati’s offense this season.
Let’s not forget that Mitchell Tinsley was a Bengals preseason darling in 2025, due in large part to his ability to make contested catches. He went on to record just eight receptions in the regular season.”
Colbie Young’s Rookie Season
Young’s preseason performance was not an aberration to those who have followed Cincinnati’s offseason. Even prior to training camp, Young earned high praise from fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins, who said of Young, “I see a lot of me in him. From my rookie year for sure. He’s quiet. That’s how I was. Quiet guy, but he speaks when he needs to. He’s got raw talent … He’s got all the tools … Good hands. He’s a really good route runner. Just a few things that I see. What he can work on. I saw that in myself when I was his age.”
However, Knox does make a valid point regarding Cincinnati’s depth chart. At best, Young will compete with Mike Gesicki for third on the team in targets.
Perhaps, an injury could also result in Young’s playing time increasing. Star receiver Tee Higgins has missed time in each of the past three seasons. If that occurs once again, Young may prove to be worthy of a larger role.
Bengals Rookie Draft Pick Gets Blunt Take After Preseason Game