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NFL Draft: Bengals snag receiver Chase with first pick

The Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU standout wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft reuniting second-year quarterback Joe Burrow with his former offensive weapon.

Chase will join Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins to form a high performance receiving corp in Cincinnati.

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The 6-foot, 201-pound Chase is regarded as the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is a big-play receiver with speed, quickness and ability to run after the catch. He’s an exceptional route-runner with good hands and versatility to line up as an X receiver, flanker, slot, or out of the backfield.

The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winning receiver led the nation with 20 touchdown receptions and ranked second averaging 127.1 yards per game during LSU’s national championship season.

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The Bengals are banking on Chase to fill the void vacated by seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green, who signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals during free agency.

There was plenty of speculation leading up to the draft on whether the team would select Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell in order to keep Burrow upright or the highly touted receiver. Burrow was sacked 32 times before being injured last season.

Cincinnati decided to go with the sexy pick in the first round addressing their need at wideout and will likely address the offensive line in the second round.

The second and third rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft will be held Friday, April 30, beginning at 7 p.m.

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