NFL Preseason Outlook: Analyzing AFC North Wide Receiver Rankings

NFL teams are ramping up their training camps, with many joining over the coming days. As teams endure the summer heat, they prepare for the preseason, starting with the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6, broadcast on NBC. Week 1 of the preseason follows on Aug. 13, all counting down to the regular season’s commencement on Sept. 9.

We continue to explore key offseason storylines for each of the league’s 32 teams. Our current focus is on power ranking every wide receiver group within the NFL’s eight divisions, starting with the AFC North.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals boast a formidable group featuring Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andre Iosivas, and Mitchell Tinsley. Ja’Marr Chase is among the elite, with five straight 1,000-yard and three consecutive 100-catch seasons. While others like Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson and L.A.’s Puka Nacua are top contenders, Chase remains a standout. Tee Higgins, considered by some as the league’s top WR2, complements him well.

Andre Iosivas also adds strength with consistent seasons of 33 catches and 435 yards or more. As a collective, they are the strongest wide receiver group in the division, posing a significant threat to opponents.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh’s wide receiver group has undergone an upgrade, now featuring DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, and Roman Wilson. Despite a mixed first season in Pittsburgh, DK Metcalf delivered 59 catches, 850 yards, and six touchdowns. A return to Pro Bowl form would be major for the team.

New additions like Michael Pittman Jr., a two-time 1,000-yard receiver, and Germie Bernard, with 64 receptions, 862 yards, and seven touchdowns last season from Alabama, enhance the group’s capabilities. This improvement positions Pittsburgh ahead of both Cleveland and Baltimore in terms of passing threat.

3. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s aerial performance last season was lackluster. Jerry Jeudy led the way but was their sole receiver with more than 21 receptions or 338 yards. Addressing this, the team used early draft picks to secure KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.

Adding these players, along with tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who logged 72 receptions, 731 yards, and six touchdowns as a rookie, aims to bolster either Shedeur Sanders’ or Deshaun Watson’s efforts in the coming season. Their potential lifts the Browns above Baltimore’s receiving squad.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers leads Baltimore’s receivers, having achieved over 74 catches and 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, making him arguably second only to Chase in the division. However, the depth behind him is uncertain.

Rashod Bateman showed promise with a career-high 756 yards and nine touchdowns two years ago, but last season his productivity waned. Rookies Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt offer potential, yet their impact remains to be seen. Consequently, the Ravens’ group is less formidable than their divisional counterparts.