2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

2021 Stats: 

• 81 Receptions
• 1,455 Yards
• 13 TDs

When the Cincinnati Bengals took LSU wideout Ja’Marr Chase at No. 5 overall, there were plenty of doubters who were less than thrilled with their selection. Due to the issues on the offensive line, there was a strong feeling they had to go with a tackle and Penei Sewell was there for the taking.

Quarterback Joe Burrow was also coming off a torn ACL which was suffered after he was sacked 32 times in just 10 starts — which led to even more calls for a lineman.

Cincinnati, however, had other plans. They were hoping a return to health for Jonah Williams and the addition of Riley Reiff in the draft would allow them to go for the best player available, which was easily Chase. On top of that, Chase and Burrow already had a great relationship from their time at LSU.

At first, it looked as though the Bengals made a mistake with Chase struggling with drops during the preseason. But once the games started to count, he turned it on and had a fantastic season which ended with him winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Cincinnati also had much more success as they ended up making it to the Super Bowl and nearly won it all. Ironically, a better offensive line might have helped them win it all as Chase was running free for a game-winning touchdown but Burrow couldn’t get the pass off.

Even with that twist of fate, the Bengals made a great pick and Chase is going to be a star for several years to come.

Grade: A+