With The First Pick
Fansided

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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Weaknesses

Though he has excelled after the catch, Chase does not look to be the most sudden athlete in space and is more reliant on speed and power than elusiveness to get beyond defenders for extra yardage.

His efforts in the blocking game during Chase’s time at LSU have been inconsistent. However, when at his best in that area, Chase does an excellent job of locking on to his target and keeping them engaged throughout the play.

Though his production in the Tigers’ title-winning season was nothing short of incredible, he only has one year of putting up such numbers at the collegiate level, which may have influenced his decision to commit to playing for LSU in a unique college season in which the Tigers will be expected to take a step back.

Another uber-productive year with inferior quarterback play in 2020 would be useful resume padding for Chase, but the reality is he has little he needs to improve on as he fine-tunes his game ahead of making the jump to the pros.

Indeed, it is extremely difficult to pick holes in Chase’s game and, though there is a long way to go before NFL teams start setting their draft boards, it would be a considerable surprise if he is not near the top of them come next year.

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