NFL insider compares Bengals rookie's game to star player
It's certainly not the best time to be a running back in the NFL right now, unless you're years away from earning a second contract. Cincinnati Bengals rookie Chase Brown has a few more years until that comes up with him. Brown brings a skillset that the Bengals have needed at the position for some […]
It's certainly not the best time to be a running back in the NFL right now, unless you're years away from earning a second contract. Cincinnati Bengals rookie Chase Brown has a few more years until that comes up with him.
Brown brings a skillset that the Bengals have needed at the position for some time. His explosiveness and elusiveness combined make for a ballcarrier who can not only break tackles, but break off long runs as well. The Bengals need more of both to improve their run game.
Expectations for Brown as a rookie aren't large by any means, but one NFL insider sees great potential in his game.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer visited Bengals training camp Monday afternoon and noted the competition at running back to replace the departed Samaje Perine. Joe Mixon is set to maintain his role as the first and second down back, and there's several names to potentially complement him this year.
Breer's initial observations of Brown had him seeing a bit of Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler.
"And who’ll be next after Joe Mixon in the backfield remains an open question, with Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans and rookie Chase Brown (who’s got some Austin Ekeler to his game) in that mix. All those guys have ability, but the player who proves himself as a pass blocker will significantly factor into who gets the call in replacing Samaje Perine."
While he's yet to make a Pro Bowl in his career, Ekeler is one of the better and more uniquely talented running backs in the entire NFL. His low-to-the-ground running style combined with the power he generates from his lower half makes him a chore to bring down.
His pass-catching ability on top of that is how he was able to rack up 3,195 total scrimmage yards and 38 touchdowns since 2021. No one else has more than 30 touchdowns in that span.
The idea of adding an Ekeler-type weapon in Cincinnati's offense is as intriguing as it sounds, though that's a high-end comparison for the rookie Brown. His build compares closer to a faster Giovani Bernard, which would certainly be a welcomed outcome for the Bengals.
Brown still has a climb to make on the depth chart before we see that unfold. His main competition for third down duties, as Breer mentioned, will be Trayveon Williams. Proving his worth in pass protection and catching out of the backfield will be crucial for him to earn that role out of the gate.
Bengals RB Chase Brown recalls performing drill named after his new teammate
The apprentice gets to learn from the master now.
Featured image via © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
