LSU Football: Analyst has absolutely terrible Ja’Marr Chase take
By Zach Ragan
LSU football’s Ja’Marr Chase is the top returning wide receiver in college football.
During my time writing about LSU football, I’ve seen plenty of bad takes (and I’ve had some bad takes, too).
Typically, I just ignore the bad takes and go on with my day.
But every now and then — especially this time of year — there are some takes so bad that they can’t be ignored (I think the draft must bring out the worst in analysts).
On Friday, I came across one of those takes.
Rivals recruiting analyst Mike Farrell discussed some of the top players to watch for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Unsurprisingly, Ja’Marr Chase’s name was mentioned. Farrell acknowledged that Chase is the best returning wide receiver in college football.
But then Farrell suggested that Chase isn’t a lock to be the top wide receiver in the draft next year. Instead, Farrell said that Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle could battle Chase to be the top wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft.
I’m sorry, what?
This might seem like a harsh response to a casual take, but I’m not sure Farrell understands how good Chase is as a wide receiver (and he’s probably just going to get better next season).
Look, if Chase would’ve been eligible for the 2020 NFL Draft, he would’ve been the best wide receiver available.
To suggest at this point, with what we know right now, that Chase might not be the best wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft is just plain silly.
And comparing him to Waddle?
No offense to Waddle, but there’s no comparison.
I mean, let’s just take a look at the numbers.
In 2019, as a sophomore, Chase caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns.
In Waddle’s first two years at Alabama (he’s played 28 career games), Waddle has 78 receptions for 1,408 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Chase has outproduced Waddle’s entire career in just one season.
And don’t even try to say it’s because Waddle played with Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. Chase had to battle for his offensive share in Baton Rouge, too. Chase also played with two first round picks (Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire) in 2019.
Jeudy and Ruggs combined for 117 receptions. Jefferson and Edwards-Helaire combined for 166 receptions.
Next. Justin Jefferson is a steal for the Vikings. dark
Chase is the clear No. 1 wide receiver in 2021. There isn’t a close second. And to suggest otherwise is nothing but an insult to Chase.