Cincinnati Bengals: Why A.J. Green Is Already a Top 10 NFL Wideout

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of this year's biggest surprises in the NFL. 

Bengals fans have grown accustomed to having disappointing seasons matched up with their players getting in their fair share of off-the-field trouble. This year was a major turnover for Cincinnati as an organization. 

Longtime starting quarterback Carson Palmer was demanding a trade out of town, threatening retirement if he didn't get his way and Chad Ochocinco was in need of a change of scenery. 

Both players got their wish and are now wearing a new set of laundry on Sundays. 

With their removal came the need for replacements. The Bengals answered this need by drafting wide receiver A.J. Green from Georgia and quarterback Andy Dalton from TCU. 

Expectations were low for both of the rookies coming in, but they have exceeded what everyone thought they would be capable of. Even more impressive, they have found success in a very tough AFC North division. 

While Dalton's performance has been impressive, Green has stood out as an elite talent. Green has the size and skill set to become one of the best receivers in the league for a very long time. 

In my opinion, Green already is a top-10 receiver in the NFL. 

Green has put up some impressive numbers for a rookie receiver compiling 50 receptions for 832 yards and seven touchdowns. That puts the former Bulldog in the top 10 in touchdowns and top 15 in receiving yards for wide receivers. 

Not to mention Green missed Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Green's numbers haven't been skewed by a few huge games either. He hasn't scored more than one touchdown in any game. He has been a consistent threat in just about every game he has played in this season. 

His performance against the Bengals' division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been impressive as well. The Steelers are a hard-nosed defense that have no trouble jamming receivers at the line and playing them physical the entire game. Yet, Green still has seven receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns against them this season.

All of these accomplishments as a rookie with a rookie quarterback throwing to you. The Bengals are limited offensively other than Green which only makes his job harder every week.

It makes you wonder what if Green had an elite quarterback throwing to him? What if the Bengals had a few other receiving threats on offense to open up the field for him more often?

It is clear that defenses are already having to game plan for him each week. He has the potential to develop in to a threat that will terrorize defenses for years to come. 

Green has the natural intangibles and skill set to be an elite receiver. The sky is the limit right now for him and if Dalton can continue to improve along with Green, they could turn in to one of the more dangerous duos in the league. 

The Bengals have come a long way from the team they've been the past few seasons. Now they have the stars on offense and defense to begin building a legitimate contender. 

Regardless of who they add in the future, you can bet that Green will be a star in the NFL for years to come.