1. Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Size: 6-0, 201
The Good: The 2019 LSU offense was historically amazing, but even among Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Terrace Marshall and Thaddeus Moss, Chase was able to standout.
He didn’t catch the 111 passes that Jefferson did, but he averaged over 21 yards per grab with 20 touchdowns, highlighted by a nine-catch, 221-yard, two-score day in the national title win over Clemson.
Tough, fast, and with a whole other gear when the ball is in the air, throw it up, let him go get it, and good things will happen. He’ll outmuscle most corners for the ball and run away from the others.
He’s got the size and build everyone wished DeVonta Smith had, and he’s got Jaylen Waddle raw speed, but …
The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t have the route running ability of Smith and he’s not anywhere near as sudden or quick as Waddle. It’s a knock that’s actually a bit of a positive – he needs work.
As is he’s fantastic, but he’s going to need some refinement on his routes, he’ll have to get back up to speed after missing last season, and he’s not going to be a part of that offense with that quarterback again – or maybe he might if Cincinnati takes him.
Oh my. 😳@LSUfootball WR Ja'Marr Chase just ran a 4.38u 40-yard dash. (via @SlaterNFL) pic.twitter.com/nV9D7Cep4N
— NFL (@NFL) March 31, 2021
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It would’ve been nice to see him for one year without Jefferson and the rest of the supporting cast he had in 2019, but whatever. As is he’s going to be a devastating go-to star right out of the box, but after a little time in an NFL camp to refine his game … uh oh.
Projected Round: First
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