The Cincinnati Bengals must feel lucky to have the offensive skilled players that they do.
At running back they have Joe Mixon, with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase at wide receiver.
But, Chase is the one player that stands out amongst the rest.
He was selected fifth overall in the 2021 NFL draft.
Yet, he is already one of the best players in the league at his position.
In his rookie season, he won offensive rookie of the year and made second-team all-pro.
The connection between Burrow and Chase has been automatic since their college days at LSU.
But, they have taken it up a notch in the NFL.
So where does Chase rank among the top wide receivers in the game?
He seems to be a consensus top-five receiver in the NFL.
Even though he has only played one full season, he is a true difference-maker when on the field.
@JoeyB finds @Real10Jayy__ into the end zone. TOUCHDOWN Bengals 🏈#NFL #Bengals #JoeBurrow #JaMarrChasepic.twitter.com/HFoWg9p1Ur
— TheColdWire.com (@thecoldwire) December 11, 2022
Despite only playing in nine games this season, Chase has 64 receptions for 821 yards and seven touchdowns.
His yards per game this season (91.2), are higher than last year (85.6).
One Of The Elite
The NFL is full of talented wide receivers, but a few stand out amongst the rest.
Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, and Chase seem to be named constantly heard among the best in the league.
While everyone may not agree with that, all of those players have produced at a high level throughout their careers.
Players in NFL history with 2,000+ rec yds and 20+ rec TD in their first 26 games:
Ja'Marr Chase
Randy Moss
Odell Beckham Jr.Chase is the best WR in the league#ProBowlVote x #JaMarrChase pic.twitter.com/smGaqdiguc
— Hard Rock Sportsbook (@HardRockSB) December 15, 2022
There are plenty of ascending players that should be added to that list soon.
But, one thing that Chase has that separates him from other young receivers is playoff success.
The 22-year-old played a huge role in getting the Bengals to the Super Bowl last season.
He averaged 92.0 yards per game in the playoffs, his game-changing ability was tough to defend.
Now the Bengals are starting to look like themselves again after a slow start to the year.
The play of Chase will be a big factor in how far the Bengals can go this season.
NEXT: Ja'Marr Chase Prefers Joe Burrow Over A Legend