Ja’Marr Chase 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6′-3/8”
Weight: 201 Lbs
Wingspan: 74 7/8 inches
School- LSU
Pro Day Results
40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
Vertical Jump: 41 inches
3 Cone: 7.00 seconds
Broad Jump- 11′
Ja’Marr Chase 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Ja’marr Chase was a four-star recruit out of Archbishop Rummel High School, in Louisiana, when he committed to LSU. The LSU staff was so impressed with him, red-shirting was not an option. As a true freshman, Chase started seven games, generating 313 receiving yards and three touchdowns. While it wasn’t the most impressive college season, it was just the beginning for Chase. In 2019, Chase would go on to become the number one target for Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Burrow and Chase connection proved to be even more fruitful than anyone imagined. Not only did LSU triumph to an undefeated season and an eventual National Championship, but Ja’Marr Chase had one of the best seasons ever, for college-wide receivers. Chase finished the 2019 campaign with a staggering 84 catches, 1,780 yards, and 20 touchdowns. If Chase was draft-eligible in 2020, it’s quite possible he would have been the first receiver off the board. Instead, he opted out of the 2020 season, ridden with covid-concerns.
While analyzing his 2019 campaign, the ability after the catch and great hands he showed stand out most. For a prospect with such limited exposure, Chase is polished as if he is a poised NFL veteran, which should entice a team in the top-10 to select him on draft day. There are some concerns with Chase’s future, among these is his athletic traits not being elite. However, with an excellent pro-day performance, where he posted a 4.38 unofficial 40 time, Chase was able to silence many of these doubts. His overall polish, along with a good pro day should have his draft stock pretty much solidified.
Strengths
- Above-average hands;
- Fantastic blocking ability;
- Great after the catch – very hard to bring down;
- Advanced footwork and overall technique, especially considering his age;
- Excels at the catch point.
Weaknesses
- Limited exposure at the college level;
- Lack elite short area burst;
- Doesn’t have elite size;
- Critics say he doesn’t “love football”;
- Route running could use minor improvement, at pro-level he won’t be able to rely on his strength and athleticism.
NFL Comparison: A.J. Brown
Possible Landing Spots: Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions.
Bottom Line on Ja’Marr Chase
Critics aside, Chase is one of the best wide receiver prospects to come out in recent memory. If you combined the last two draft classes, Chase would likely be at the top still. While Chase possesses some minor weaknesses, he has shown a great work ethic in is college tenure and coaches rave about him. He should have no problem at the next level refining his skill-set and taking his game to the next level. Chase is a lock to go in the top-10 on day one of the draft and it’s even starting to look like top five is possible. At the end of the day, Chase is a pro-ready wide receiver that teams will seek at the top end of the draft.
Chase should step right into a number one wide receiver role on a team, and produce right away. As recent high selections at the wide receiver position have shown, rookies can contribute right away in today’s version of the NFL. Chase shouldn’t be any different, considering he is so polished for such a young player, and should be in a situation as a high selection to get a good target share right away.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
