2021 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Wide Receiver Prospects
SI Fantasy analyst Shawn Childs provides his read on this year's crop of NFL Draft talent at the wide receiver position
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After a dominating sophomore season (84/1,780/20) at LSU with Joe Burrow behind center, Chase elected to sit out 2020 due to Covid concerns. His best success came in four explosive games (10/229/4, 8/227/3, 7/197/7, and 9/221/2) while also gaining over 100 yards in five other contests (8/147, 7/127/2, 8/123, 6/140/1, and 6/144/2).
He comes to the NFL with some concern with his route running and ability to beat the press vs. top physical cornerbacks. I don’t view either opinion or thought as an issue. Chase will work the short areas of the field to be a chain mover on quick slants, comebacks, and crossing patterns. LSU used him on bubble screens and deep end cuts showing his versatility to make plays in the passing game. He’ll need to fine-tune some areas of his game at the next level. Chase works hard while owning the movements to shine all over the field.
2021 NFL Draft: Fantasy Rookie Report - Wide Receivers
Senior fantasy analyst Michael Fabiano breaks down the incoming rookie receivers on-field & fantasy potential
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There was a time when rookie wide receivers didn’t make much of an impact in the world of fantasy football. Even some of the eventual greatest players at the position, including Jerry Rice, Antonio Brown, Isaac Bruce, and Calvin Johnson (to name just a few), failed to produce huge numbers during their first NFL seasons.
However, things have certainly changed over time as changes to NFL rules and more pro-style college offenses have made rookie wideouts more attractive from a fantasy standpoint. During the Super Bowl era (1966-present), six of the top 10 best seasons from first-year receivers based on fantasy points have come since 2003.