Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft: Chase or Sewell at the top?
The Cincinnati Bengals must work to improve their talent around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow this offseason. This team struggled to support Burrow in 2020 and their inability to protect him eventually led to the young signal-caller suffering a major knee injury. If Burrow is going to have any chance of reaching his ceiling in Cincinnati, this team simply must find a way to surround him with more impact offensive talent.
It all starts with their fifth overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Bengals certainly have an interesting decision to make at the top of the draft but they also have an opportunity to find potential impact talent throughout the process. How can the Cincinnati Bengals improve their roster in the 2021 NFL Draft? Find out in this complete seven-round mock draft for the team.
Note: This mock draft was completed using Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Cincinnati Bengals mock draft: Round 1, 5th overall
Pick Analysis. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. 1. Scouting Report. WR. player. 817
Assuming quarterbacks go off of the board with each of the first four picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals will certainly have an interesting decision to make at No. 5 overall. The choice appears to be between LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell and it is easy to make a case for either player.
Joe Burrow and Chase made magic at LSU during the 2019 season and the Bengals’ franchise quarterback is reportedly pushing for the Bengals to take Chase at No. 5. Cincinnati already has a nice duo at wide receiver in Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins but they lack a true number one player at the position. Chase could be that player for the Cincinnati Bengals and would round out a young and talented group of pass-catchers for Burrow.
On the other hand, the Bengals struggled to protect their young quarterback in a major way last season and simply must invest in their offensive line this offseason. Sewell is an elite offensive tackle prospect who, when paired with Jonah Williams, would give the Bengals arguably the best young offensive tackle duo in the entire NFL. This will be a tough decision for the Cincinnati Bengals but either player would undoubtedly help take their offensive attack to the next level.
In this mock draft, the Bengals opt for Chase, giving Burrow his number one option in the passing game. Chase is not the biggest or most explosive wide receiver around but he is a consistent playmaker who would bring stability to their passing attack. Chase is a fantastic route runner, shines in contested-catch situations and uses natural elusiveness and impressive power to create after the catch.
Improving the offensive line is still a priority for this team but the depth up front in the 2021 NFL Draft class is impressive. Snagging a true number one receiver in Chase feels like the right move at No. 5.