Teams picking at the top of the NFL Draft never simply take the best player available. More variables go into the decision than just that, including how those teams view the rest of the draft. After all, there are six other rounds that follow the first round.
That in itself has become a prime reason behind the Ja’Marr Chase argument for the Cincinnati Bengals. The LSU wide receiver has become the favorite to go fifth-overall and be reunited with Joe Burrow.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated is among those who believe Chase will be the pick (though he did create an out for himself) because he knows Cincinnati is thinking about which offensive linemen will be available in the second and third rounds. He also mentioned that LSU personnel believe Chase is indeed joining Burrow’s team.