If a debate took place on which position that's been talked about the most, the situation at wide receiver is clearly the winner. We went from possibly signing Terrell Owens, entertaining the notion of trading for Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall to maybe drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft.
After Antonio Bryant signed with the team, the discussion sort of went quiet. We've mentioned that other beat writers opine that the team could still be in the running for Terrell Owens. We've also noticed the falling stock of Dez Bryant, believing that our chances of drafting the wide receiver could be more realistic than previously believed.
More importantly, we've discussed the team's receiver situation behind starters Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant. It could go in one of two directions. The team wants to give the younger players another opportunity. Or the team needs more help and is looking outside for something more.
Of all the receivers available, Carlos Holmes calls Toledo's Stephen Williams the eventual Chris Henry replacement.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Williams is almost identical to Henry from a physical standpoint. He’s athletic, agile and shows great leaping and playmaking abilities. Williams doesn’t quite possess the same type of speed as Henry, but was clocked as low as 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. That’s plenty fast enough for a receiver his size to get separation on a defender.
Holmes continues:
Bengals wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard was said to be impressed with the receiver’s performance at the school’s workout. It is believed that certain members of the organization see a lot of similarities between Williams and Henry in terms of playing ability. The team will definitely be keeping an eye on the receiver during the draft.