NFL Draft: Ja’Marr Chase silences any doubt with explosive pro day

Winning the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s best wide receiver in the nation in 2019, LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase dominated the competition as a sophomore. He then opted out of the 2020 season due to health concerns and player safety, but it appears to be a move that will not impact his 2021 NFL Draft stock as we are a month away from the main event.

The massive production Chase put on display a year ago, racking up nearly 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season for the Tigers. Now with his massive pro day, Chase has silenced the doubters who may have stated his play strength and speed did not match his box score from a year ago. Chase has now solidified himself as a top receiver in this class.

Looking at the pro day of Ja’Marr Chase

At his pro day, however, Chase silenced any doubters who did not see explosiveness on film or did not think he could translate to the NFL after opting out of the season due to concerns regarding the on-going health crisis. Measuring in at a little over 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, Chase dazzled in front of NFL scouts and general managers.

In the 40 yard dash, Chase ripped off a 4.38 second time, ranking him in the top-five percent of wide receivers all-time. Displaying his explosiveness, Chase tested in the top-three percent in the vertical jump (41 inches) and top-two percent in his broad jump (11 feet) as well. He then posted excellent agility numbers as well, hitting a 3.98 short shuttle time (top-three percent) and a seven second three-cone time.

While he did not bench at the pro day, there is video from a month ago of Chase pounding out 23 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. All of this combined for a 9.9 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score.

Where does his 2021 NFL Draft stock stand?

Chase still has a significant chance to be the first wide receiver off of the board when the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around next month, despite sitting out all season. These types of pro day numbers added with his production as a sophomore in 2019 makes Chase a top-tier wide receiver prospect as he heads to the next level.

With the Miami Dolphins trading back up to the sixth overall pick in the draft, that seems like a safe landing spot for Chase. However, there are also rumblings the Cincinnati Bengals are highly interested and may take Chase with the fifth overall pick despite more pressing needs along their offensive line. Regardless, Chase has solidified himself as a top-10 pick this upcoming April.