Former Georgia wide receivers Connie Young and Noah Thomas are both auditioning to make the Bengals final roster this preseason, and they both made a great case why they should make the final 53-man team as they both scored a touchdown on the same day.
The Georgia Bulldogs have been producing some great NFL wide receiver talent as of late. With George Pickens having the third most receiving yards in 2025 and Ladd McConkey bursting onto the scene with the Chargers, the Bulldogs have started to make their presence known at receiver in the pros.
After the Cincinnati Bengals victory over the Chicago Bears in week two of the preseason, it looks like the league could be getting two more stars in Thomas and Young..
Colbie Young, Noah Thomas score first NFL TDs
It is no secret that the Bengals have had some issues in their wide receiver room since their Super Bowl run from a few seasons ago. Other than Ja'Marr Chase, who produces All-Pro seasons every year, there have been some holes to fill.
Tee Higgins has consistently been a name who might leave for a higher contract and WR1 role elsewhere. Former Bulldog-turned-Tide receiver Jermaine Burton was released from the team back in December for off-field issues.
This past offseason, the Bengals drafted Colbie Young in the fourth round and were able to sign Noah Thomas as an undrafted free agent.
In their opportunities to be able to make the 53-man roster and potentially up the depth chart, these two have shined. Young finished the week two matchup with three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, leading all Cincinnati receivers in yards. His ability to make plays deep down the field was what allowed him to have the highest yards per catch of any receiver that played Saturday, except for Noah Thomas.
Thomas just had the lone touchdown grab against the Bears, but it notably went for 20 yards and showcased his ability to create separation on deep go routes. In the same way, Young's touchdown catch was on a short go-route in the redzone.
These plays were huge for the rookies in their outlook on the season. Young could potentially find himself as a WR3 or four if he continues to play this way throughout the preseason and show promise throughout training camp. For Thomas, it is notably hard for undrafted free agents to make a roster after the preseason. Not only has he proven that he is worthy of a roster spot, he could find himself right behind Young on the depth chart and find himself in a healthy receiver rotation.
Whatever the future holds for these former Bulldogs, the Georgia fanbase is definitely proud of these two.
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