The Athletic's Paul Dehner believes rookie WR Charlie Jones has a chance to take over as the Bengals' slot receiver when Tyler Boyd's contract runs out at the end of the 2023 season. “No matter where you throw the ball, he’s going to make the play,” WRs coach Troy Walters said of Jones. “He’s a technical route runner. If it’s a 15-yard route, he’s going to run 15. If it’s 12 yards, he’s going to get 12. He knows how to manipulate coverages to beat the defenders at the top of his routes. He just knows how to get open. He’s a football player, and that’s what we need. Very similar to when I was in Indianapolis with Peyton Manning. With Joe (Burrow), he wants you to be in the right spot at the right time, and that’s what Charlie does. He’s going to be in the right spot. He’s someone that Joe can count on.” Jones would need an injury to Boyd, Ja'Marr Chase, or Tee Higgins to have any chance at 2023 fantasy value. But he's an intriguing bench stash in deeper dynasty leagues as a potential asset in 2024 and beyond.
The Bengals added WR Charlie Jones in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones is coming off a huge 2023 season for Purdue: 110 catches, 1,361 yards, and 12 TDs. So why did he last until Round 4? Because 2023 was Jones' sixth year in college. He did nothing across 2 seasons at Buffalo and then 3 at Iowa. He's already 24 years old and is just 175 pounds. It's a shaky prospect profile. This is a sneaky strong long-term landing spot, though. Jones is tied to QB Joe Burrow. And WRs Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are set to hit free agency next offseason. It makes Jones worth stashing in deeper dynasty leagues.
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