Bengals WR Tee Higgins saw solid improvement in 2021 following an already good rookie season in 2020. For Cincinnati last year, Higgins totaled 74 receptions for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns. He may have been outshined by rookie sensation Ja’Marr Chase, but Higgins’ profile as a receiver is impressive nonetheless.
While his numbers alone were impressive, it’s also important to realize his efficiency throughout the season. Higgins averaged 2.43 yards per route run (#10 among WRs), 9.9 yards per target (#8), and 1.97 yards per team passing attempts (#8). When compared to Chase, Higgins had a higher target share, WR target share, air yards share, and targets per route.
That’s not to disparage Chase, rather to shed a light on Higgins and how high his upside truly is. Especially when you consider the fact that Cincinnati is primed to be one of the premiere offenses this season. Second-year QB Joe Burrow’s numbers last season put him in the MVP conversation, as he completed 366 passes on 520 passing attempts for 4611 yards and 34 touchdowns in 16 games.
Higgins finished the season as WR18 with 145 total fantasy points, and I predict a higher finish this year.
Health & Draft Analysis – Higgins is entering his third season in the NFL, meaning he’s only getting smarter and stronger, much like Burrow. Cincinnati is also looking to recapture their success from last year by bolstering their offensive line.
From a health perspective, he does come with a High Injury Risk (35%) and Below Average Health Performance Factor (55%), but he did manage to play through a torn labrum last year. Based on his year-to-year improvements and what the Bengals look to be putting together, I picture a Top 10 finish for Higgins. He should probably be picked up in the third round, but if you can get him in the fourth or fifth he will be an absolute steal.
| REC | YDS | TD | R/G | Y/R | Y/G |
| 74 | 1091 | 6 | 5.3 | 14.7 | 77.9 |
