07-13-2022, 12:36 PM
In the ongoing ESPN survey of best at their positions, WRs got their turn in the sun. Ja'Marr Chase came in #3 behind Davonte Adams and Cooper Kupp.
3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 8
Age: 22 | Last year's ranking: Unranked (rookie)
Scouts who considered Chase the best all-around player in the 2021 draft are feeling validated in a big way. Chase dominated the voting outside of Adams and Kupp, receiving several No. 1 selections for his banner rookie year in which he burst onto the scene with 81 catches, 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns.
"He might be the best in a year. He's got it all," an NFL personnel official said.
Chase is a walking splash play, with his 11.5 yards per target and 13 catches for 30 or more yards each ranking second in the NFL. His 658 yards after catch ranked third, and his catch rate over expectation (6.2%) tied Adams for sixth, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
He did all of this after sitting out his final year at LSU. And considering his chemistry with Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Chase is poised to contend for the top spot next year.
"He's 210 [pounds] but moves like an 190-pounder, strong as hell, fast as hell, great instincts," the exec said. "Ja'Marr is the next great one."
Tee Higgens received votes but not enough to qualify for a ranking
3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 8
Age: 22 | Last year's ranking: Unranked (rookie)
Scouts who considered Chase the best all-around player in the 2021 draft are feeling validated in a big way. Chase dominated the voting outside of Adams and Kupp, receiving several No. 1 selections for his banner rookie year in which he burst onto the scene with 81 catches, 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns.
"He might be the best in a year. He's got it all," an NFL personnel official said.
Chase is a walking splash play, with his 11.5 yards per target and 13 catches for 30 or more yards each ranking second in the NFL. His 658 yards after catch ranked third, and his catch rate over expectation (6.2%) tied Adams for sixth, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
He did all of this after sitting out his final year at LSU. And considering his chemistry with Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Chase is poised to contend for the top spot next year.
"He's 210 [pounds] but moves like an 190-pounder, strong as hell, fast as hell, great instincts," the exec said. "Ja'Marr is the next great one."
Tee Higgens received votes but not enough to qualify for a ranking
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