NFL Rookie of the Year: Who Was Right About Ja’Marr Chase?

Remember that historic 2019 LSU offense that shattered NCAA records? Well, turns out the connection from that QB (Joe Burrow) to that top WR (Ja’Marr Chase) is still successful at the next level – very successful. Chase is soon to be crowned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while helping the Cincinnati Bengals win the AFC North.

After drafting Chase 5th overall, the Bengals took a big gamble on boosting their WR core and establishing a top-tier QB/WR duo, rather than drafting a franchise offensive linemen to protect what they already had in Burrow/Mixon. That gamble returned 81 catches, 1,455 yards, 13 TD’s, and a league best 18.1 yards per reception.

Considering the opening odds at Ja’Marr Chase +1500 to win OROY, if a Bengals fan or an advanced sports bettor placed a $10 bet on Chase to win, it will soon pay out $160. Think about that value in the upcoming draft; offensive players like WR Jameson Williams and QB Matt Corral could have great rookie seasons depending on where they land.

Many believed in the Bengals’ vision and Chase’ ability, including:

Max Staley, FanDuel

“That sounds like a Rookie of the Year recipe.”

Hitting the nail on the head multiple times, Staley correctly envisioned the Burrow to Chase connection being special at the next level. Not only that, in his writing he discusses the type of athlete and talent Chase is by himself. That was on display this entire season.

This is his article: Ja’Marr Chase Rookie of the Year Odds Are Disrespectful

Andrew Lamers, Fansided

“It could prove to be an immediate payoff for the rookie receiver and his young quarterback.”

As I mentioned in the opening parts of this post, the 2019 LSU offense was dynamic and truly legendary. Burrow and Chase were MAJOR contributors to that success. There was much debate about protecting Burrow or giving Burrow a great weapon, and it’s nice to recognize the type of player they drafted instead of P. Sewell.

This is his article: Why Ja’Marr Chase will win Offensive Rookie of the Year

Justin Bruni, To the Hizzy Fantasy Sports

“Out of the gate, he offers NFL-Ready skillsets and a five-star bond with his quarterback.”

If you haven’t noticed by now, a common theme is that people who were confident in the Bengals pick of Ja’Marr chase had a vision of the QB/WR chemistry working at the next level, enticing some to take props on his season receiving yards. Although Bruni was wrong about the other Bengals WR to surpass 1,000 yards, his ideas were accurately displaced.

This is his article: Ja’Marr Chase 2021 Receiving Yards Prop

Going forward, I am curious to see what teams try to replicate the ‘formula’ of getting top-tier college QB/WR teammates to make the learning curves easier and provide a lower risk option.