2021 NFL Draft: Best pick by every AFC North team

Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Round 1, 5th Overall

The Bengals entered the 2021 NFL Draft with a lot of work to do on the offensive line, especially after seeing Burrow go down before finishing his first season. Jonah Williams is still locked in to be their left tackle, and that might’ve influenced them to pass on Penei Sewell at five, and select LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase instead.

The Chase pick was a pick that did help out Burrow, one on the basis of familiarity. Having another player who can win in contested spots down the field is huge, and it could be a possible fix for Burrow’s deep accuracy issues in his rookie campaign. Burrow’s trust in Chase to make plays will likely reduce the number of overthrows we saw from Burrow in 2020. The offense will be potent at receiver with Chase in the room, and his dynamic ability after the catch will be a new wrinkle.

Obviously, the fact that Chase was by far the Bengals’ best selection in the 2021 NFL Draft suggests that their efforts on the offensive line weren’t enough. Adding Jackson Carman and D’Ante Smith gives them some developmental prospects along the line, but potentially no impact players from day one is a concern.