Cincinnati Bengals build around Joe Burrow in 3-round 2021 mock draft

Cincinnati Bengals: Round 3, Pick 67

On paper, the Bengals have a nice group of pass-catchers on the roster. The group is led by A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd and features talented playmakers like Tee Higgins, John Ross, Mike Thomas and Auden Tate. As interesting as this group is, there is an obvious lack of speed at the position, especially when we consider that the disappointing Ross becomes a free agent after the season.

If it is speed you want, look no further than Chatarius Atwell. The wide receiver out of Louisville ridiculous natural speed and quickness in the open field. He is elusive and explosive, showing the ability to make anybody miss in space and score from nearly anywhere. Make no mistake about it, Atwell is a dynamic weapon at the wide receiver position.

The biggest issue here is his lack of size. Atwell is tiny, listed at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, and struggles to compete against any sort of contact. He can be erased by press coverage on the outside and is easily taken down if the defender can get his hands on him.

Atwell is unlikely to be a guy who can come in and be a major offensive contributor right away. His route tree is extremely limited and his lack of size is obviously concerning. That being said, his speed and raw playmaking ability undoubtedly makes him a weapon in certain situations.

Atwell would not have to come in and play a major offensive role for Cincinnati. He could simply be a depth player who comes in and makes plays in certain situations. Green, Boyd and Higgins can take most of the snaps, allowing the Bengals to use Atwell only in situations that benefit his specific skill-set.