3. Ryan Finley, Cincinnati Bengals
Let’s get this out of the way; Ryan Finley is likely an average backup in the NFL. His mechanics are as average as is his arm strength. Finley is a late round Daniel Jones… but pretty much Jones.
If the NC State product plays this year, his weapons aren’t horrendous. A.J. Green might no longer be considered a top 10 receiver, but he certainly is a top 15 weapon thanks to his reliable hands. In eight seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals’ prime target has finished below 1,000 receiving yards just twice. Both those years he played in only 10 games or less.
Tyler Boyd is a late bloomer but an excellent number two option in Zac Taylor’s offense. The Pittsburgh product finished with 76 receptions for his first 1,000-yard season during his third year. A quality slot receiver, Boyd should at least continue to pick up third downs.
Cincinnati’s offensive line should be marginally better with the addition of versatile offensive lineman Jonah Williams. If the Alabama standout and former first-round pick Billy Price rapidly improve, at least Finley should have time to make a throw.
The wild cards for the Bengals are wide receiver John Ross and tight end Tyler Eifert. The former top 10 pick collected seven touchdowns in his sophomore season, but never showed off his vertical speed. Eifert has been injury prone his entire career and is still trying to match his 2015 campaign. There’s still no telling how healthy he’ll be.
If Cincinnati is rolling with Finley, it’s likely to see if he can be the option down the line. If they’re not careful though, Cincinnati’s arsenal could make him look like a decent option moving forward.