2021 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles target DeVonta Smith, Bears settle on Mac Jones
By Randy Gurzi
WR. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. player. 56. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 5
What better way to help your young quarterback grow than to get him one of his favorite targets from his collegiate days? Sure, there will be cries for the Cincinnati Bengals to add another offensive lineman here, and it will be tempting to do so.
In fact, the majority of the mock drafts we have done do just that — with Penei Sewell being the primary pick. However, Sewell is off the board here so that brings up a tough situation for the Bengals. They can try and pick up Rashawn Slater or Christian Darrisaw here, which would be a bit of a reach. Or they can take an elite playmaker who had 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2019 while working with Joe Burrow.
Adding Chase is the move here, but there will be some backlash, especially since Burrow is coming off a terrible ACL tear. But, one could contend the injury had more to do with his lack of help in the passing game, rather than the offensive line.
Burrow did take his share of punishment, but the play where he was injured was one where he took off and ran with the ball when no one was open. He might not have to rely on his legs as much with Chase lined up across from Tee Higgins, which could make a huge difference in keeping Burrow in the pocket rather than out in open space.