Cincinnati Bengals: Potential first-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The Cincinnati Bengals landed a gem in the 2020 NFL Draft with their selection of Tee Higgins in the second round. Higgins turned in a terrific rookie season, hauling in 67 balls for 908 yards and six touchdowns. He and veteran Tyler Boyd give the Bengals a really nice duo at the receiver position, however, outside of those two the team is really lacking much depth.

With A.J. Green and John Ross now out of Cincy, the only other receiver under contract through 2021 is Auden Tate. As big a fan I am of Tate, if a guy like Ja’Marr Chase is sitting there for the taking at fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, I’m not sure how you pass him up.

Chase is a true alpha dog at the wide receiver position and that “I’m better than you” mentality is evident when you watch him play. He makes everything look so easy at the receiver position. Averaging 21 yards per on 84 catches and 20 touchdowns in 2019, Chase is a big play waiting to happen and he can make those splash plays in so many different ways.

He is a technician when it comes to route running and has a loaded route tree to work with. His work above the rim is where he really shines as it feels like every 50/50 ball thrown his way is really more of a 75/25 ball. He’s got plenty of speed and makes the most out of every play with elite post-catch ability.

Let’s be honest, it would be a shock if the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t take their top-rated tackle with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but there is a chance that both of the top guys could be gone by they’re on the clock. If that is their fate, I think Ja’Marr Chase is a pretty nice backup plan.