Bengals currently set on drafting Ja’Marr Chase, still considering Penei Sewell, per report

The Ja’Marr Chase vs. Penei Sewell debate has raged in recent weeks.

Now for some official news about where the Cincinnati Bengals stand.

According to Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the pick is Chase... for now.

“From what I’m hearing from within the organization and even members around the organization is they are targeting Ja’Marr Chase, the LSU wide receiver, Joe Burrow’s former teammate,” Dragon said. “You know, they like his ability on the outside. And the Bengals have a need at wide receiver with the departure of A.J. Green, who is now with the Arizona Cardinals. Zac Taylor likes to play 11 personnel, that is three wide receivers, one running back, and a tight end, and the formation. And so, with that third wide receiver, you have a hold right now there on the outside.”

Dragon also addressed fans of Auden Tate, saying, “I firmly believe that the Bengals, they really like Auden Tate, but they want to upgrade that wide receiver spot.”

Dragon also pointed out that the team got a good look at Chase while watching tape of Burrow ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. “A lot of those plays that they saw of [Burrow], they were passes going to Ja’Marr Chase,” he said.

Lastly, Dragon confirmed that Burrow is “quietly” in favor of Cincinnati taking Chase, though “he won’t admit it.”

Still, that doesn’t mean Sewell is completely out of the picture.

“There is still definite interest in Penei Sewell,” Dragon said. “I would not be shocked if they changed their mind and drafted him.”

Finally, he said, with the draft still a couple weeks away, you can’t say the Bengals have made up their minds yet.

You can watch our entire interview below:

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