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Ranking the Bengals’ top options with the No. 5 pick in the draft

By Aaron Burd

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Bengals’ draft option #2: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

While DeVonta Smith and Kyle Pitts would both be elite weapons for Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ passing offense, LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase stands alone as the best weapon that they could add through the draft.

The biggest difference that separates Chase from Smith and Pitts is his familiarity with Burrow. During his Heisman campaign in the 2019 season, Burrow completed 84 passes to Chase for 1,780 yards and 20 TDs. The two were the best QB-WR duo in college football and went on to win the National Championship in one of the most dominant seasons in CFB history.

As they did their research on Burrow last year, the Bengals certainly got a good look at Chase and had to have liked what they saw. Chase has it all: hands, route-running, size, athleticism, and more. Even in an offense with Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon, Chase may be the Bengals’ best weapon as soon as his rookie year.

Chase would be able to pick up right where he left off with Burrow, and with their previous chemistry, it’s hard to imagine a better situation for a rookie wide receiver.

Burrow himself has publicly stated that he would be happy to see Chase in Cincinnati. The Bengals would be smart to make their franchise quarterback happy.