With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase is a top-five talent

By Nicholas McGee

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a catch against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a catch against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Ja'Marr Chase
2021 NFL Draft prospect Ja’Marr Chase. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Ja’Marr Chase has an extremely polished skillset with the 2021 NFL Draft afoot

Ja’Marr Chase is widely regarded as the top receiving prospect in the potential 2021 NFL Draft class following a magnificent sophomore season with LSU. Chase emerged as the leading receiver for the Tigers as they powered their way to a National Championship-winning campaign.

He finished the 2019 season with 84 catches for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, developing an incredible rapport with the 2020 draft’s first overall pick, Joe Burrow.

Though Alabama duo DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, as well as Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman and Purdue’s Rondale Moore are all very highly thought of, several early mock drafts have had Chase as the first receiver off the board, landing in the top five and potentially reuniting with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Burrow next year.

An LSU wide receiver went in the first round in 2020, with Justin Jefferson going to the Minnesota Vikings. Chase is regarded as having a superior skill set to that of his former teammate, who was the fourth receiver off the board this year.

But is that an accurate appraisal of Chase? Here we assess whether he is worthy of being considered a top-five pick by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of players seen as the headline act of what is an extremely talented class of receivers.

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