​Looking for another big-play threat, the Cincinnati Bengals took a swing at a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the selection quickly drew scrutiny. Jermaine Burton represented a high-risk, high-reward move that didn’t pan out, but that doesn’t automatically doom Colbie Young to a similar fate. Young did face some legal trouble in 2024, yet his character doesn’t appear to be a major red flag. He also fractured his fibula in 2025, but fought his way back to contribute before the season ended. In short, he isn’t a pristine prospect, but he’s certainly not Burton.
This clip offers a clear glimpse of what the Bengals see in Young. He’s another weapon for Joe Burrow, adding to a receiving corps that already includes Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If your third receiver can consistently make plays like this, you’re presenting a serious challenge for any defense. Young isn’t simply a pure sprinter; he brings refined route running and smart ballot-control to the table. Watch his release in a one-on-one matchup, where he leaves his opponent in the dust with a crisp, explosive burst.
Consider this route: Young navigates a precise tempo, pushes the cornerback toward the back pylon, and constrains the throw to land near the front pylon. His ability to turn, extend his arms, and secure the touchdown is particularly impressive. That ball-tracking knack isn’t new for him; here he hauls in a deeper score that seemed to come off the back of his helmet. He whips around, extends, and finishes with hands to the ball, demonstrating dependable catch mechanics at full speed.
Young isn’t a one-trick pony, either. There’s a standout snag on the sideline in traffic that showcases his concentration and body control under pressure. This blend of speed, route precision, and hands gives the Bengals a versatile option who could reshape how defenses react to their passing game. With Young in the lineup, Cincinnati could potentially place Chase in the slot more frequently while still presenting two dynamic outside threats.
The strategic upside is significant. If defenses defend with one high safety, that lone deep safety can’t help equally on both Higgins and Young. If defenses deploy two deep safeties, one fewer underneath defender remains to account for Chase, Mike Gesicki, and the underrated Chase Brown in the progression. Young’s presence could help unlock more opportunities for the offense to exploit mismatches and space, broadening Burrow’s options and keeping defenses guessing.
While a rookie season might not yield eye-popping statistics for Young, the impact he could have early on could lift an already elite passing attack. Cincinnati’s offense would gain another dependable target who can stretch the field, win with route discipline, and make contested catches in tight windows. In a scenario where defenses struggle to balance coverage, Young’s skill set offers the Bengals tangible potential to elevate what’s already among the best passing offenses in the league.