Why the Cincinnati Bengals shouldn’t draft Ja’Marr Chase

Former LSU football wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will likely be one of the top selections in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals are going to have one of the top selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, which means they’ll have a shot at drafting former LSU football wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

At first glance, this would seem like a dream scenario for Cincinnati.

Reuniting Joe Burrow with one of his top targets at LSU?

Sounds like a good idea, right?

Of course it does. And it would be, if not for one major issue.

The Bengals’ top need isn’t a wide receiver.

Ja’Marr Chase can’t provide what Joe Burrow needs

Cincinnati has some solid wide receivers on the roster. AJ Green (who will be a free agent after 2020, but has played for the Bengals his entire career), Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins have all displayed good chemistry with Burrow already.

Chase has been a popular mock draft selection for the Bengals in recent mock drafts, despite Cincy’s depth at the position.

Would Chase make the passing game better?

Sure. He’s one of the most talented players that will be available in the 2021 NFL Draft.

But Cincinnati isn’t going anywhere if they don’t protect Burrow.

And that’s why the Bengals need to pass on Chase so they can select one of the top offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The obvious pick for Cincinnati is offensive tackle Penei Sewell out of Oregon.

Sewell has long-term Pro-Bowl potential. Pairing Sewell with former first-round selection Jonah Williams would give the Bengals two high-ceiling bookends on their offensive line.

Seeing Chase catching passes from Burrow again would be amazing. But it wouldn’t be the wise move for the Bengals.

Taking Sewell, or another high-quality offensive lineman, is the best way for Cincinnati to set Burrow up for success in the future.