2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after national championship
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. 5. player. 56
AJ Green has done a lot for Cincinnati, but there’s a good chance his time with the Bengals is up. He’s set to become a free agent this offseason and based on how ineffective he was after returning from injury, I don’t see the Bengals bringing him back.
That means they will be looking to fill a need at receiver.
The Bengals did draft Tee Higgins last season and he finished with 908 yards and six touchdowns on 67 receptions and they also have Tyler Boyd, but adding the second-most talented wide out in the draft class would almost guarantee Joe Burrow suffers no sophomore slump.
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Imagine a trio of Boyd, Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. That’s terrifying for opponents and it’s only going to help Burrow progress even quicker. Even though Chase sat out in 2020, he was a monster in 2019 with an eye-popping 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns on 84 catches. He’s a matchup nightmare.
Cincinnati could use some offensive line help as well, but with Penei Sewell already off the board, there’s no sense in reaching. If Cincinnati was a few spots lower, I could see them taking someone like Kyle Pitts.