Power Ranking the AFC North Wide Receiver Rooms

NFL teams are gradually entering training camp, and several others will report soon. The camps last over a week, leading up to the preseason opener. The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will play in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, broadcast on NBC. The preseason officially begins the following week on August 13. As we await the NFL regular season start on September 9, we explore key offseason storylines for each of the 32 teams. Our current focus is power ranking the wide receiver rooms in all eight AFC divisions, starting with the AFC North.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals boast the top wide receiver room in the AFC North. Headlining the group is Ja’Marr Chase, who has accomplished five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and three straight 100-catch seasons. Many regard him as potentially the best wide receiver in the NFL. Tee Higgins is also highly regarded, considered by some as the top WR2 in the league.

Joining them is Andre Iosivas, who has consistently recorded 33 catches and at least 435 yards in consecutive seasons. Mitchell Tinsley adds further depth to a formidable lineup. Together, they create a potent trio, arguably the most impressive in the division.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Second on the list are the Pittsburgh Steelers, featuring a revitalized wide receiver corps. DK Metcalf had a mixed debut season in Pittsburgh, recording 59 catches, 850 yards, and six touchdowns. A return to Pro Bowl performance from him would enhance the team’s prospects.

The Steelers upgraded their lineup with two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard, who impressed with 64 receptions, 862 yards, and seven touchdowns at Alabama last season. Rookie Roman Wilson also adds potential. These additions elevate Pittsburgh’s receiving group beyond what they had last year.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns rank third in this evaluation. Last season, their passing game was lackluster, with Jerry Jeudy being the only receiver to surpass 21 receptions or 338 yards. In response, Cleveland spent their first and second-round draft picks on KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.

This new duo, combined with rookie Jamari Thrash and star tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who had 72 receptions, 731 yards, and six touchdowns in his first year, offers promising options for quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson. The potential of this setup edges Cleveland past Baltimore’s receiving unit.

Baltimore Ravens

Rounding out the rankings are the Baltimore Ravens. Zay Flowers leads the group, known for his two consecutive seasons with at least 74 catches and 1,000 yards. Some see him as the division’s second-best receiver after Chase.

The depth around Flowers is uncertain. Rashod Bateman, despite a career-high of 756 yards and nine touchdowns two years ago, had a decline in production last season. Rookies Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt show promise, but remain largely unproven. Devontez Walker is another potential asset in development.