2021 NFL Draft: Huge QB trades in pre-Super Bowl mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: 5th pick
Pick Analysis. 56. 5. player. Scouting Report. WR. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase
Over the course of the next few months, I reserve the right to change my mind about this selection.
The Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Burrow to a devastating knee injury in 2020 and the knee-jerk reaction is to throw premium draft capital at the offensive line.
Let’s not make any two ways about it — the Bengals could go with Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater here with this pick and they would be right in doing so. Joe Burrow cannot be getting hit so much and it’s the Bengals’ responsibility to make sure it doesn’t happen often if they can help it.
With that being said, we have not yet seen what free agency will bring. We don’t know what moves the Bengals are going to be able to make before the 2021 NFL Draft even gets underway, so this option has to at least be on the table right now.
Reuniting Burrow with one of his top targets in the 2019 season (Chase averaged over 21 yards per reception) would be a lot of fun, and there is merit to the Bengals giving this more than just a passing thought.
Longtime franchise star AJ Green is headed for free agency and hasn’t been healthy enough to make a substantial impact in recent years. Former first-round pick John Ross appears to be on his way out as well.
The Bengals have Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd as foundation pieces, but having a player like Chase not only gives them yet another dynamic weapon, it makes life easier for everyone else.
This is such a deep offensive line class and the Bengals would still be able to get a day one starter at tackle in round two. There are not many players like Ja’Marr Chase in this class, however.