“It’s Just a Blessing”: Bengals Rookie Colbie Young Reacts to Playing With Joe Burrow
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602272032
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602272032
For most rookie receivers, entering the NFL becomes a major moment for them. But for Colbie Young, getting drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals came with another bonus, which is catching passes from Joe Burrow.
During rookie minicamp, the new Cincinnati Bengal wideout opened up about how much this opportunity meant to him.
After his selection as the No. 140 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Young described the chance to play alongside Burrow as "unreal" and had admitted that “it doesn’t get any better” than entering the league with one of the top quarterbacks.
According to a clip shared by Bengals reporter Mike Petraglia during rookie minicamp coverage, the rookie receiver had also said that joining Cincinnati felt like “just a blessing”.
Young also made it clear that he wanted to bring more than just a physical tool to the team's offense. He mentioned that he had plans to bring “heart” and a constant “drive to get better every day”.
Moreover, Young wants to learn all he can from the veterans on the team, especially Burrow. He called playing with Burrow a “great opportunity to be a great receiver,” while praising the quarterback’s ability to place the football exactly where it needs to be.
According to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, Young's size and catch radius make him an appealing target in the team's offense. Standing around 6'5", Young is another big-bodied receiving option alongside WR stars Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
According to Bengals draft weekend reports, one of Young’s first messages to Bengals personnel after getting selected showed his enthusiasm clearly.
“Let’s go to work, baby,” Young had written.
After college stops at both Miami Hurricanes football and Georgia, Young officially signed his rookie contract with the Bengals on May 8, 2026, according to Bengals team reports.
What Makes Colbie Young Stand Out in Cincinnati?
Colbie Young brings a very different kind of physical profile to the Bengals receivers' room. This has led several analysts to compare his build and play style to Tee Higgins, who measures in at 6'4" and 212 pounds.
As per NFL Draft scouting reports, both Young and Higgins are viewed as bigger outside receivers who can use their size and catch radius in contested situations. Both are viewed as elite red-zone threats who can high-point the ball over smaller cornerbacks.
The contrast becomes more noticeable when compared to Ja'Marr Chase, whose games rely more on explosiveness and yard after catch ability. He stands at 6' and 201 pounds with 4.34 speed, according to reports from The Score.
Young’s style is also compared to Courtland Sutton's because of his frame and movement downfield. According to Bengals draft coverage, Young is expected to compete for the WR3 role heading into camp.
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Written by
Debanjali Rakshit
Edited by
Arundhoti Palit