The Cincinnati Bengals had a disappointing 2020 season, but the young team has a ton of potential. Quarterback Joe Burrow went down in week 11 after suffering a terrible knee injury. Burrow tore his ACL and MCL along with a damaged PCL and meniscus.

Heading into the 2021 NFL season, the franchise added more young talent in the draft. With the Bengals first round selection they chose wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Chase is a dynamic receiver and he will reunite with his college quarterback. These two will already have chemistry, perhaps making Chase an instant impact player. In the second round they took offensive lineman Jackson Carman to protect Burrow.

These draft picks paired with free agent veterans they brought in will make for an improved Bengals team.

The Bengals also possess 3 players that are poised to breakout.

3. Linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither

The 2020 fourth round pick had a decent rookie season. Davis-Gaither played in every game and finished with 31 tackles. He progressed more and more throughout the season and showcased the player he could be for the Bengals. Davis-Gaither still has a way to go but he will get a chance to breakout this season.

If he breaks out, Davis-Gaither could become a key part of the Bengals defense for years.

2. Offensive lineman Jonah Williams

Jonah Williams was a 2019 first round pick by the Bengals and he has shown some upside. He missed the final 4 games of the 2020 season, but played well against some good pass rushers. Williams has all the skills and athleticism to become a Pro Bowl lineman. He has great technique which is rare for a young lineman and it will allow him to progress easily.

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Protecting quarterback Burrow is very important and Williams progression will help him. The offensive line was horrendous in the 2020 season which resulted in Burrow getting hit a ton in his rookie season. The Bengals made some moves in the off-season to bolster the line which will also help in Williams development.

Look for Williams to take a jump next season and become a great lineman for Burrow and the Bengals.

1. Wide receiver Tee Higgins

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins had a solid rookie season and could take a big jump. The Bengals have great depth at receiver especially after drafting Chase. The receiving core will include Higgins, Chase, and Tyler Boyd which should make it easy for Burrow. With great targets around him, Higgins can become an even better receiver as he won't get as much attention. Higgins just scratched the surface last season and could breakout this season.

Having a great receiving group will help Burrow even more. Higgins development could take the Bengals offense to the next level.

The Bengals team is primed to compete with the emerging talent. The AFC North is a tough division that includes the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. Those 3 teams all made the playoffs last season which will make it hard on the Bengals to compete. However, they have a young roster that will leave everything out on the field every game.

Bengals fans should be excited as this team has a ton of potential. With potential breakout players on the roster, it will make it an even more entertaining season.