Miami Dolphins: 6 options at pick 6 in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Jeremy Klump
No. 4: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
This may surprise some people, but I think former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is a better option at pick No. 6 over Jaylen Waddle. This may surprise some people because I have been a lot lower on Chase than others have been. It is not really a knock on Chase, as much as it is how I evaluate the receiver position and the qualities I feel make a great NFL receiver, not a great college receiver.
Chase was a great college receiver. He won the Biletnikoff award in 2019, on his way to being a key piece on a team that won a National Championship. It is worth noting because it isn’t talked about much: His quarterback, Joe Burrow, won the Heisman Trophy that season and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. So, Chase had one of the best quarterbacks in the world throwing him the ball.
The reason I have Chase over Waddle is more about the 2021 NFL Draft than the actual players if that makes sense. I believe Waddle is going to be a stud in the NFL, but I also think players like Elijah Moore, Kadarius Toney, and even Rondale Moore could give you similar production to Waddle. All three of those guys may be on the board at pick 36, but there will not be an alpha, No. 1 receiver like Chase.
Chase may not be a great route-runner, but he uses his strength to win his reps. He will always have to be a guy who works harder than the defender to make plays, but I think Chase will do it. He is the definition of a “DOG” on the field, and his scrappy, physical play wouldn’t go unnoticed by Dolphins fans.