Former NFL scout heaps praise on Ja’Marr Chase, expects him to be Offensive ROY

The Cincinnati Bengals bet big on former LSU standout receiver Ja’Marr Chase when they took with him with the fifth-overall pick. Many fans and analysts were expected them to fix the sizeable hole in their offensive line.

They filled those weaknesses with Clemson’s Jackson Carman and veteran Riley Reiff. Instead of taking Oregon’s Penei Sewell, they opted to add the insanely talented Chase to their roster.

Chase played with Burrow at LSU during his final season. Securing 20 touchdowns on 84 receptions, Chase showed his exceptional hands and skilled playmaking, accruing over 20 yards per catch.

The relationship is there, and hopefully, with that in mind, the 21-year-old will be set to flourish as a rookie in the Queen City. One former NFL scout is expecting him to exceed expectations.

Former scout and analyst Mike Ross took to NFL Network’s Total Access and explained why Chase will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“Chase will breakout to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was the most talented wide receiver that I scouted since Julio Jones and came out in 2011. A lot of other great wide receivers, but he was right there at the top as far as the best guy I scouted. You always talk about practice reps with quarterbacks and wide receivers being on the same page, well these guys don’t even have to practice together because they did it at the highest level. We know Joe Burrow won just about every award when he was coming out of LSU that year so that synergy I think that these two have will put them on the field right away to breakout together,” Ross said.

The history with the duo is expected to create a great connection from the start. With Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd also healthy and ready to make their presence felt, Cincinnati may be looking at the best receiving trio in the league.

If Chase can break out into the star that the Bengals are banking on him being, the Bengals should have no problem exceeding the low expectations most are setting on them.

With Burrow primed to return healthy for Week 1 and an improved offensive line protecting him, receivers could have a field day in the Queen City. There should be enough passes to spread the targets around to each, especially as they hound opposing cornerbacks all game.

For Chase, he’s shown he can do much with few targets. Let’s hope that can translate to the NFL as the Bengals will certainly be distributing well to their highly talented trio.