Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green’s uncertainty in 2020
Hopefully, A.J. Green will be healthy enough for a big-time year. It should be a memorable way to end his time in the jungle. He’ll be a hot commodity after the Bengals drafted his replacement.
Although different in playing style, Clemson’s Tee Higgins saw his stock rise, thanks to the success of Trevor Lawrence. Production was key for the Tigers on their way to another national title appearance, which is precisely what the junior will bring to the Bengals for Joe Burrow. Higgins tied DeAndre Hopkins’ all-time touchdown record on his way to a 1,167 yards and 13 score season.
Tee Higgins is a GROWN MAN 😤 @teehiggins5 @ClemsonFB @Bengals
(via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/1m7ZEFjS87
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) April 24, 2020
The Bengals missed on John Ross heading into his fourth season. Tyler Boyd is a great compliment to any team’s top weapon. Now, Green will likely be auditioning for another team once released from the franchise tag. Perhaps no longer a consensus top-10 receiver, the former top-five selection has finished six of his eight seasons with over 1,000 yards, averaging 14.8 yards per catch.
The Bengals are planning for life after the Red Rifle and Green. Keeping the seven-time Pro Bowler will help his transition, but Green certainly is halfway out the door.
Quincy Enunwa’s questionable future in the NFL
Remember Quincy Enunwa? If you don’t, no worries, since he’s spent plenty of time on the IR the last two seasons.
The Jets added protection for Sam Darnold with Mekhi Becton. Now, it’s time for weapons. Even with a late trade down, New York managed to make fans scream with delight by adding Baylor’s Denzel Mims to the Big Apple. Considered by some as a first-round steal, the former Bear garnered plenty of attention during his week in Mobile. He followed it up with an impressive showing at the combine, posting a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and an impressive three-cone drill (6.66 seconds).
Daingerfield ➡️ Baylor ➡️ NYC
Denzel Mims @Zel5Zelly
Round 2, Pick 59@nyjets #SicEm | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/PgIRPmy8za— Baylor Football (@BUFootball) April 25, 2020
The 6-foot-3 weapon topped 1,000 yards in two of his final three seasons in Waco. With New York, Mims will be a top-caliber weapon to pair with Jamison Crowder in the slot. A home run threat every snap, this should have Enunwa feeling a little stressed.
The 27-year-old missed all last season with a neck injury. Over the past two years, Enunwa has missed 20 appearances due to his inability to remain healthy. Even if he returns, it’s hard for New York to trust that Enunwa could be even close to the player he was.
When healthy, Enunwa is an excellent No. 2 option. The problem is, when is that going to happen again?
Kansas City Chiefs LB Damien Wilson
The Chiefs might be on top of the world, but their linebacker situation needed to be addressed. Have no fear Super Bowl champs, you finally found your Derrick Johnson replacement.
Kansas City could have a steal with their selection of Willie Gay, Jr. out of Mississippi State. The 6-foot-1 linebacker might have only played in five games this season due to violations, but he made his presence felt. A freak athlete with the potential to play the sidelines, the former Bulldog will become the lead dog of the pack for the Arrowhead defense, which could lead to Damien Wilson taking a seat on the bench.
Willie Gay Jr. Combine performance. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/EREoeErGWa
— Alex Gold (@AlexGold) April 25, 2020
Wilson managed to collect 81 tackles in his first season with Kansas City. Known for his cover style more than blitzing ability, the former Cowboys’ standout only recorded one pass deflection. Gay Jr. is raw, more than likely starting his career as a special teams standout. In a contract year, Wilson will need to either outplay Anthony Hitchens or explode in order to gain a valid contract next offseason.
The Chiefs are winners for a reason. Smart picks will help. For Wilson, this could be a “prove-it” year no matter what if he still wants to be viewed as a starter. One struggling game could be enough to push Gay Jr. into a starting role sooner rather than later.
Cole Thompson is a lead NFL writer for PFN. You can follow him on Twitter @MrColeThompson and follow PFN @PFN365.