Ja’Marr Chase is more than the real deal. He’s the best wide receiver in this year’s draft. And because of that, if available, the Detroit Lions must pick him.
Before his dazzling pro day, where he clocked a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, scouts and experts raved about Chase’s skills. Many scouts and draft experts regard him as one of the best route runners in the draft.
It’s easy to see why after reviewing any game film on him.
For starters, at 6’0 and 208 lbs, Chase has incredible athleticism and physicality for a guy at that size. When it comes to the “50-50 balls” or being draped by defenders, he’s the type of receiver that a quarterback can trust to go make a play. Chase possesses superior “change of direction” speed as well. As soon as he catches the ball, he’s able to evade defenders with his supreme elusiveness.
And it doesn’t stop there either.
During his 2019 campaign with the LSU Tigers, Chase consistently proved he’s a threat one-on-one. He excels at taking the top off defenses. Not only, but his athleticism allows him to make plays most wideouts can’t. His ability to beat his man inside or outside will cause opposing defenses to lose sleep.
If you don’t buy into the above paragraph, check out the LSU vs. Vanderbilt game on Sept 21, 2019. As the Tigers smashed the Commodores 66-38, Chase put on an epic performance. He caught ten passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns. When looking at the box score, fans should be impressed by Chase’s outing. It’s jaw-dropping. Nevertheless, the catches he made while tallying those stats were even more impressive. He flat-out scorched and embarrassed defenders.
Let’s talk about the 2019 season of Ja’Marr Chase some more.
Although he was teammates with Thaddeus Moss, son of Hall of Fame wideout Randy Moss, Ja’Marr Chase and his 41 inch vertical were doing the “Mossing” during the Tigers’ 2019 championship run.
That season, Chase caught 84 passes for an NCAA-leading 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. Additionally, he led the SEC in yards per reception and touchdowns from scrimmage. His efforts that season earned him both Consensus All-American and Biletnikoff Award honors.
Chase’s performance in the 2019 National Championship also proved he excels in big moments. He helped lead the Tigers’ 42-25 thrashing of Clemson, catching nine passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
It was his third game that season with 220+ receiving yards.
There’s one more thing that Ja’Marr Chase provides that doesn’t show up in the box score. And that is his Alpha-like mentality.
The Lions need to provide Jared Goff with the best weapon available in the draft.
After acquiring Jared Goff, Detroit Lions fans thought the former NFC Champion would have Kenny Golladay as one of his targets.
As well all know, that is not the case. Golladay signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the New York Giants. He inked this deal after the Lions informed him they would not use the franchise tag to retain his services. Reports shortly surfaced that he turned down a similar deal from the Lions in 2020.
Without Golladay on the roster, Goff’s best option to throw to is T.J. Hockenson. While catching passes from Matthew Stafford, Hockenson tallied 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns. Many regarded him as one of the league’s best tight ends.
Outside of that, Goff doesn’t have an actual threat. Sure, the Lions did ink wideouts Breshar Perriman and Tyrell Williams to deal, but none of those guys are No.1 options.
Ja’Marr Chase is.
With Goff under center for the next two seasons, the Lions must invest in him. GM Brad Holmes needs to provide the quarterback he once drafted with every opportunity to succeed. The Lions can accomplish that by selecting Chase with the No.7 overall pick. Goff said he’s coming to Detroit with a chip on his shoulder during his Lions’ introductory presser. Pairing him with a clutch and reliable receiver like Chase will be a match made in heaven.
Unlike the Quinntricia era, the Lions have not tipped their cap on whom they plan to select this year.
And for that alone, Lions fans should be thankful.
Nevertheless, if the Lions are on the clock, they must select Chase if he’s available.
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