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Ja'Marr Chase
Ja'Marr Chase
Cincinnati Bengals · Rookie
This was a toss-up between Chase and Deebo Samuel, but ultimately, Chase's record-setting season powered by his ability to shred defenses deep landed him here. He elevated the Bengals' passing attack in every way and against almost any defender. According to NGS and PFF, Chase led the NFL in 2021 outside the numbers with 923 receiving yards and 11 receiving TDs, vs. single coverage with 872 yards and vs. press coverage with 1,015 yards. And most notable for any downfield weapon, he set an NGS era record (which began in 2016) for most receiving yards on go routes in a single season with 542 -- just sneaking past Mike Evans' 531 yards set in 2018. Chase was able to climb to the top of many downfield metrics even with a midseason slump, proving just how good a receiver the Bengals have.

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Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals · Year 5
It's really difficult to leave Robert Quinn and his 18.5 sacks off this list, but it's even tougher to overlook Hendrickson's production in his first season in Cincinnati. The free-agent acquisition has proven Cincinnati's investment wise, ranking second in the league in quarterback pressures with 79 and producing the NFL's best QB pressure percentage at 19.4 percent. He's caused five turnovers via pressure, tying him with four others for the most in the NFL, and he's added 28 stops (tackle on a play that results in negative EPA for offense) and 14 sacks to his résumé. He might be lacking in total tackles (34), but Hendrickson has been incredibly effective when it comes to rushing the passer and has helped transform the Bengals from AFC North cellar dwellers to division champions. That's more than enough to earn him this nod.