New York Jets Film Room: 2021 draft target Ja’Marr Chase

The New York Jets could target LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase when they’re on the board with the No. 2 overall pick.

 Ja’Marr Chase Info

• LSU wide receiver
• 6-foot, 207 pounds
• First-team All-SEC (2019)
• 2019 Unanimous All-American
• Opted out of 2020 season to focus on NFL Draft
• 2019 statistics: 84 receptions, 1,780 yards, 20 touchdowns (14 games)

How Chase would Benefit the Jets

If the Jets were to keep Sam Darnold for the 2021 season, the No. 2 overall draft pick would need to be used on an offensive weapon to help both the young quarterback and overall offensive unit. Last year, the Jets were last in total yards, scoring, and 31st in passing. Not to mention, Darnold hasn’t efficiently developed and impatience is growing among the fanbase.

Chase’s size, athleticism, and overall talent would make him Darnold’s top target barring the acquisition of a big-name free agent. He was a star at LSU within a receiving corps that also included Justin Jefferson, Vikings wide receiver and 2020 second-team All-Pro.

The soon-to-be rookie would tremendously assist in Darnold’s development and provide a consistent spark that Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims are unable to currently provide.

Chase additionally carries a true knack for the end zone, having crossed the goal line a whopping 20 times during his 2019 season with the Tigers. This on-field strength would bode well for Gang Green, who was 28th with 16 total touchdown passes last year.

Film Room Notes

Chase and LSU’s 46-41 win over Alabama on Nov. 9, 2019

Chase caught six balls for 140 yards and one score in what was a humongous victory over the Crimson Tide.

https://youtu.be/Bv6mus7yasc?t=35

At the top of the screen in this first clip, Chase is in the slot and makes a great hesitation move off the snap before reeling in a tough catch in between two defenders down the left sideline. He portrays great patience and gains enough separation for former LSU quarterback (and current Cincinnati Bengal) Joe Burrow to make the throw.

https://youtu.be/Bv6mus7yasc?t=50

At the bottom of your screen in the above clip, Chase is split wide to the right and remains step for step with his defender. However, he makes an incredible mid-play adjustment and comes back for the ball, providing himself with enough space to walk into the end zone.

https://youtu.be/Bv6mus7yasc?t=209

In this play, Chase is physical enough to overcome contact at the line and accelerates thereafter in order to gain separation and give Burrow an easy throw for the first down.

https://youtu.be/Bv6mus7yasc?t=223

Chase overcomes contact again in this play and is then able to plant his foot for the comeback route and succeeding reception. The effort doesn’t stop there though; Chase then portrays his elusiveness to gain yards after the catch — an ability scouts will look for ahead of April’s draft.

https://youtu.be/Bv6mus7yasc?t=520

And for the final play we’ll show, Chase utilizes that clutch gene during a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot receiver ultimately makes an initial move before planting the foot on the dig route, which creates just enough separation for the crucial first-down reception.

Chase and LSU’s 58-37 win over Ole Miss on Nov. 16, 2019

Chase caught eight balls for 227 yards and three touchdowns in the midst of a victory that improved LSU to 10-0 on the season.

https://youtu.be/uOnfKQ4Gyvs?t=49

What seemingly began as a simple hitch route in this play ended up becoming much more. Chase sees the play break down and Burrow scramble towards his area of the field, which leads to him ad-libbing and accelerating towards the end zone. This off-script decision led to a touchdown for the Tigers.

https://youtu.be/uOnfKQ4Gyvs?t=146

https://youtu.be/uOnfKQ4Gyvs?t=161

In the above pair of clips, Chase employs superb vision, finds space in the secondary to make the catch, and then shows spectacular effort after the catch to fight for the ever-important additional yardage.

https://youtu.be/uOnfKQ4Gyvs?t=192

This play is where Chase’s athleticism really comes to life.

After running the initial post route, Chase plants the foot and utilizes acceleration and pure speed to sprint upfield and gain significant separation from the Ole Miss safety en route to a touchdown reception.

https://youtu.be/uOnfKQ4Gyvs?t=283

Another touchdown for Chase in this big victory.

Having lined up in the slot on the left side of the line, Chase doesn’t gain too much separation on the dig route but is still able to make the catch in coverage. He doesn’t stop there though and proceeds to utilize both strength and footwork to break away from the initial contact. After that, it’s all speed and acceleration.

https://youtu.be/uOnfKQ4Gyvs?t=300

Finally, we have Chase showing off his blocking technique to help spring a 49-yard touchdown run by former LSU running back (and current Kansas City Chief) Clyde Edwards-Helaire.