The Cincinnati Bengals selected wide receiver Colbie Young with the 140th pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing a pressing need for depth at the position.
Why it matters: The Bengals are looking to strengthen their offense after a focus on defense in the offseason. Young brings size and skill that could complement their star receivers.
Colbie Young, from Binghamton, NY, stands 6'4 3/4" and weighs 218 lbs, making him a formidable presence on the field.
Young averaged 12.5 yards per catch over 116 receptions during his college career, highlighting his potential as a playmaker.
With Andrei Iosivas in the final year of his rookie deal, Young's selection signals a strategic shift to secure a reliable third receiver.
Driving the news: The Bengals made the pick after trading away their 110th and 199th selections to the New York Jets for the 128th and 140th picks.
Cincinnati first drafted center Connor Lew at pick 128 before selecting Young, who was projected to go much later in the draft.
Young ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and earned a 9.00 relative athletic score, placing him in the 90th percentile among wide receivers.
His impressive physical attributes and collegiate performance made him an attractive option for the Bengals.
State of play: Colbie Young is expected to compete for the No. 3 receiver spot behind Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase.
Young's physical skill set and football intelligence were praised by Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher during the pre-draft process.
Assistant GM Steven Radicevic noted Young's toughness and ability to block in the run game, which adds versatility to his role.
Young described himself as a "big physical receiver" who can play inside or outside, emphasizing his reliable hands and top-end speed.
The big picture: Young's selection comes with some character concerns due to a past arrest and suspension during his college career.
In October 2024, Young faced misdemeanor battery and assault charges, which were later pled down to disorderly conduct.
Coaches and teammates have defended Young, highlighting his work ethic and willingness to learn as key strengths.
Young's past issues may raise eyebrows, but the Bengals are banking on his potential to shine in the right environment.
What they're saying: Analysts and scouts have mixed feelings about Young’s transition to the NFL.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com described Young as a "nightmare for cornerbacks to bring down after the catch" but noted that his route-running needs improvement.
Dane Brugler compared Young to Courtland Sutton, praising his size and ball skills but also acknowledging the need for a thorough character evaluation.
Coach Kirby Smart remarked that Young played with a chip on his shoulder and was a hard worker, which bodes well for his future in the league.
By the numbers: Young's collegiate stats provide insight into his capabilities as a receiver.
Over his college career, Young compiled 116 receptions for 1,437 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns across four seasons at Miami and Georgia.
In his final season at Georgia, Young caught 26 passes for 358 yards and one touchdown in just eight games.
He averaged 14.5 yards per catch in 2025 and 13.8 yards per catch in 2026, showing consistent production when healthy.
What's next: The Bengals will look to integrate Young into their offensive scheme as training camp approaches.
Young's performance in mini-camps and preseason games will be closely monitored as he vies for a role in the Bengals' high-powered offense.
Fans are eager to see if Young can develop chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow and make an immediate impact.
With the Bengals' track record of successfully developing receivers, Young has the potential to become a valuable asset in the coming seasons.