A running back by trade, Rex Burkhead is starting to establish himself as one of the more diverse players on the Bengals. Last year, they used him for many things including end arounds, catching passes in the slot, special teams, and the occasional handoff. Burkhead has seen a lot more snaps at slot receiver than at running back, so I think it's time they permanently move him to receiver.

One reason I think the Bengals should move Burkhead to receiver is because there is a lot more depth at running back and he would see little to no playing time at that position anyway. Right now, both Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard are clearly the top two backs and there is still Cedric Peerman there to compete for a spot. Also, having Burkhead listed as a running back is the reason why the Bengals lost both Terrell Watson and James Wilder Jr. to start off the offseason.

Having four running backs on the roster is already a lot so there was no room for the young guys, too. If Burkhead was a receiver, there would have been an opportunity to sign one of the backs from the practice squad. Instead, the Bengals lost Watson to the Browns and Wilder to the Bills.

Another reason why Burkhead should be moved to receiver is because he is more suited to be one. He has that first step quickness that is crucial for a slot receiver to have so he can quickly get open on slant routes for example. He has great hands and has made some pretty good catches as a receiver, including a late touchdown catch from A.J. McCarron versus the Steelers. He is also good at end arounds since he is a running back by trade and they could use him for even more trick plays, especially with Mohamed Sanu gone, the team's biggest trick play threat.

With some practice, Burkhead could even develop into a starter, rather than a rotational player, and become similar to Patriots receiver Danny Amendola. Moving Burkhead to receiver is the best short term and long term solution for the team.