2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Ja’Marr Chase (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft 2021: Cincinatti Bengals pick Ja’Marr Chase, compares to Chad Johnson

Despite skipping the entire 2020 season, the stock of Ja’Marr Chase was at an all-time high. The year prior in 2019, the LSU wide receiver dominated everyone who lined up against him. He totaled 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. The NFL legend he most closely resembles is Chad Johnson.

Although Johnson’s numbers on the collegiate level don’t stack up to Chase, everything about his game does. Johnson stands at six foot one, only one inch taller than Chase. He also weighs in at roughly 193 pounds while Chase tips the scale at an even 200.

In terms of production at the next level, there were few who were at the level of Johnson. For six straight years, the former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver registered a thousand yards.

Neither receiver would be considered a huge target but with their ability to high point the ball and go get it, the comparison to one another seems apropos. Also, in a bit of an ironic twist, Chase was selected by the same team Johnson stared on for years.

At one point, Johnson was considered a top-five receiver, a lofty but realistic future expectation thrown on the shoulders of Chase.

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