Ja’MARR CHASE | LSU 6’0” 201 lbs. 3/1/2000 (Age 21)
Ja’Marr Chase was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the first wide receiver and fifth overall player taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Age | Games | Receptions | Yards | Target Share | TDs |
| 19 | 10 | 23 | 313 | 7.5% | 3 |
| 20 | 14 | 84 | 1,780 | 19.6% | 20 |
Ja’Marr Chase had 107 receptions for 2,093 yards and 23 TDs during his two-year college career at LSU. As a true sophomore, Chase put together one of the most impressive seasons in college football history. He hauled in 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 TDs. Chase accounted for 33.4% of LSU’s historic passing attack, averaged 3.14 yards per team pass attempt, and 2.03 adjusted yards per team play. His adjusted performance index is in the 97th percentile of all college receivers since 2000, and his 21.2 yards per reception rank in the 96th percentile.
Ja’Marr Chase is a savvy route runner who understands defensive coverages and how to beat them. He has the game speed to run by defenders to create separation but also possesses the raw strength to win at the catch point in contested catch situations.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At LSU’s Pro Day, Ja’Marr Chase measured in at 6’0” and 201 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 26.98. He recorded an impressive 4.34 forty-yard dash (4.39 adjusted), giving him an 86th-percentile Speed Score.
Chase showed off elite strength with 23 bench press reps. He also jumped an incredible 41” in the vertical and 132” in the broad jump. He ran the three-cone in under seven seconds and the short shuttle in under four seconds. Amari Cooper was the last player to break those thresholds weighing over 200 lbs.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
After much offseason speculation, the Cincinnati Bengals have, in fact, reunited Joe Burrow with his favorite target at LSU–Ja’Marr Chase. With Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon already in Cincinnati, this Bengals’ offense could be perceived as “crowded.” A similar narrative steered some dynasty managers away from Ceedee Lamb last season, who was also the consensus WR1 pre-draft. The Cowboys already had two talented WRs and a star RB. How could there possibly be enough volume for Lamb? Well, good receivers are able to earn their volume, which is exactly what Lamb did.
You can expect a similar story in Cincinnati. Chase, as one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent memory, should have no trouble establishing himself as the alpha in this pass-heavy offense, especially playing alongside his former quarterback. He is still the top WR in this class by a wide margin.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Ja’Marr Chase is an alpha receiver who has the requisite size, athleticism, and skillset to play from any alignment as a wide receiver. He is the clear top receiver in this class and should be already be treated as a top-20 overall receiver in dynasty.
Chase deserves to be considered at the 1.01 spot in non-Superflex leagues and as early as the 1.03 in Superflex. He projects as a perennial WR1, and, at just 21 years old, he should hold significant value for many years.
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