If you’re a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, you’re hopeful that the franchise uses one of its picks in this week’s NFL Draft to add some depth to the wide receiver position.
Against the wishes of the former Georgia Bulldog, the Bengals placed a franchise tag on A.J. Green, meaning he has to stay in Cincinnati for one more season before hitting free agency.
The Bengals could use some help at the position regardless of what Green decides to do next offseason, and that’s why SBNation’s CincyJungle is trilled about the fact that the team finally met with a wide receiver ahead of the draft.
Per Justin Melo of USA TODAY Sports Media Groups’ Draft Wire, the Bengals held a FaceTime meeting with Georgia wide receiver Lawrence Cager.
Per the report, Cager also remotely met with the the New York Jets.
Adding to this, #Georgia WR Lawrence Cager recently held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with the #Jets & #Bengals. https://t.co/VhnintkklR
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 17, 2020
But the Jets don’t currently have A.J. Green on their roster, so for right now let’s focus on Cager and the Bengals, a much more exciting pairing for Georgia fans.
From CincyJungle:
If you’re looking for size at a discount, Cager is your pass catcher. The 22-year old measured in at 6-5 and 220 pounds with over 33” arms at the NFL Combine. With all that length, it was a bit surprising to see his hands measure in at under 9” (8 7/8”).
Playing with a better quarterback in Jake Fromm did help Cager’s production in just nine games (33 receptions, 476 yards, four touchdowns), but it wasn’t anything earth-shattering.
Similar to Green, Cager is a tall, possession receiver. Neither will blow past you with their speed, but both have the body control, route running skills and the hands to come down with highly contested catches.
Don’t expect to hear Cager’s name called before the fifth or sixth round, but he’s a guy who possesses all the tools to have a long and successful NFL career.
Had it not been for a series of injuries, Cager would likely be viewed as a third round draft choice. Before going down with a season ending ankle injury, he had 33 catches for 476 yards and four touchdowns. He did that while battling through a shoulder and rib injury as well.
The Bengals will likely use their first overall pick to select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. Expect a spike in Green’s numbers next season, and if Cager is added to the roster, look for some promising rookie numbers for the one-year Bulldog.
Green missed the entire 2019 season after he suffered torn ligaments in his ankle.
[vertical-gallery id=24661]