The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t pass up an opportunity to draft one of the most talented players in this year’s draft. It just so happens that LSU wide receiver has an obvious connection with Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. The two teamed up for one of the best seasons college football had ever seen in 2019 when LSU went undefeated and won a National Championship.
There are some fans a little more than surprised or mad that the team passed up Penei Sewell out of Oregon to protect Burrow. It seems the Bengals are banking on this deep offensive line class to fall into the second round, which is very possible.
Here is what fans and media had to say:
Initial excitement
There were plenty of fans that were hoping for this reunion. Chase should slide right into the void left by A.J. Green’s departure, and it isn’t crazy to say he will probably be more productive in that role. It isn’t surprising to see so many excited.
Crazy after the championship football season at LSU – Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow would reunite again – the next time on the same NFL team in Cincinnati.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 30, 2021
Burrow.
Chase.
Boyd.
Higgins.
Mixon.#Bengals have skyrocketed up the NFL Sunday Ticket rankings of most watchable teams in the league.— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) April 30, 2021
I’m officially Team Chase now
— Jay R (Bengals Perspective) (@JayRBP) April 30, 2021
This offense is going to be leeeeeeeeeethal.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) April 30, 2021
Analysis
Here are some tweets or videos that help show off why Chase was a good pick for the Bengals. This wasn’t just about getting Burrow his buddy from college. This is a receiver that was one of the best overall talents in this draft, and it happens to be at a position that can have an instant impact.
Ja’Marr Chase ranks in the 99th percentile in receiving grade among qualifying WRs entering NFL from 2015-2021 (@PFF)
Chase’s forced missed tackle rate of 0.25 ranks in the 93rd percentile of Power 5 WRs with 100+ catches since 2014.
Cincy gets a special WR in Ja’Marr Chase.
— Evan McPhillips (@emcphil) April 30, 2021
RD 1 | PICK 5 – Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase WR, LSU
Chase enters the NFL with the highest probability of making a Pro Bowl within his first three seasons (24%) of any wide receiver prospect over the last four draft classes according to the NGS draft model.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/IQPsuYbwv1
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 30, 2021
This isn’t an A.J. Green shade post, but
Green had over 100 targets in 2020 that he turned into 47 catches, 523 yard and two touchdowns.
Pretty easy to think Chase getting those targets will be more productive and that will take a lot of pressure off this offense.
— Patrick Judis (@PatrickJudis) April 30, 2021
New #Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, in 2019 accumulated the most receiving yards & touchdowns in college football despite playing in only 505 passing snaps— only 13th among all FBS receivers. pic.twitter.com/mApObUJvgS
— Kedon (@Kedon2) April 30, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase:
92.4 @PFF grade when facing man coverage
ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash (98th percentile) at 201 pounds
41-inch vertical (96th),
13-foot broad jump (96th)
3.98-second short shuttle (97th)The newest #Bengals WR is going to be a PROBLEM pic.twitter.com/sZEeyBD6ed
— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) April 30, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase’s ability to win with physicality at the LOS and the catch point is absurd.
There are better athletes and better route-runners in this class, but no one tops Chase’s strength/physicality.
WR1 and it wasn’t closepic.twitter.com/7HYbJNuNEI
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) April 30, 2021
Players sounding off
Former and current Bengals players couldn’t contain their excitement for their newest star wide receiver. Joe Mixon especially sounded off with several tweets in and a row, and of course Burrow let everyone know he approved.
GET THE GAT
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) April 30, 2021
Zac asked Burrow what his excitement level would be if they added Chase, 1-10
Burrow said 10— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) April 30, 2021
Tweets of the pick
These are just some of the funniest tweets talking about the Bengals selection of Chase. What was your favorite tweet from tonight?
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