Roster analysis: Wide receivers

Fourth in a series

Today: Wide receivers

Starters: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Backups: Chris Henry, Glenn Holt, Antonio Chatman, Tab Perry (injured reserve), Marcus Maxwell, Bennie Brazell (injured reserve)

Johnson and Houshmandzadeh had huge statistical seasons. Houshmandzadeh tied New England's Wes Welker for the NFL lead with 112 receptions and made the Pro Bowl. Johnson broke his single-season franchise mark with 1,440 receiving yards but is now sulking and saying if he is indeed a problem that he should be traded.

It's a mistake to think Houshmandzadeh could post such good numbers without Johnson's presence on the field. So forget the idea that the Bengals should trade Johnson -- they won't -- and promote Henry to starter. The overall production would fall off dramatically.

Still, for a veteran group, the receivers at times showed a lack of professionalism and made fundamental mistakes in route running. Palmer, who wasn't as sharp with his accuracy as in season's past, made veiled comments that the constant complaints from his top receivers wore him out as the disappointing season wore down. Henry was inconsistent after coming back from his eight-game NFL suspension.

Perry will try to come back from a second lost season because of his hip injury. Chatman is an unrestricted free agent. Don't be surprised if the Bengals use a third- or fourth-round draft pick on a wide receiver.

Question: How, if at all, would you change the composition of the wide receiver group?