ESPN highlights Bengals RB Chase Brown as a player to know
It's not too often that a fifth-round pick gets thrusted into a large role as a rookie in the NFL. Even for running backs, late-round picks rarely hit the ground running with a featured role.Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Chase Brown might become an exception. Brown nearly falling all the way to the sixth round […]
It's not too often that a fifth-round pick gets thrusted into a large role as a rookie in the NFL. Even for running backs, late-round picks rarely hit the ground running with a featured role.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Chase Brown might become an exception.
Brown nearly falling all the way to the sixth round in April's NFL Draft was a surprise to many, including the Bengals. Needing a running back to replace Samaje Perine, Cincinnati wisely added Brown to their backfield, and the fit is ideal for what they need out of the position.
Brown was a workhorse back for Illinois last season, carrying the ball 328 times in just 12 games. Naturally, volume production ensues that level of opportunity, but Brown did more than just take the yards given to him.
Per Seth Walder of ESPN.com, Brown forced the fourth-most missed tackles in FBS play in 2022. His elusiveness translating at the NFL level could give him an edge over incumbent starter Joe Mixon, who's been inconsistent at generating yards over expectation per carry in recent years.
"I'm keeping an eye on Brown, a fifth-round pick who forced 73 missed tackles (fourth-most in FBS) last season at Illinois, because Joe Mixon averaged between minus -0.2 and 0.2 rush yards over expectation per carry in the past four seasons. Brown is cheaper and could be Mixon's successor." – ESPN's Seth Walder
Mixon's production faltered in 2022 largely due to the discombobulated run game the Bengals trotted out to begin the season. Efficiency improved for the unit as the season wore on, but Mixon himself still produced like a product of his blocking rather than making yards out of his own. His dominant five-touchdown performance over the Carolina Panthers is but a clear exception.
That said, Mixon has the size and athleticism to carry a full workload in the NFL, and he might run with more confidence should the offensive line and scheme improve this year. Chase still has to prove he can do the same.
"Let's see how the season goes, but right now I'm Chase Brown," Brown told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "That's who I'm trying to be on game day. Be myself. Fast. Versatile. Elusive. Somebody who has speed and agility with speed to separate from people. An all-around running back who can pass block, can catch, and run the ball efficiently and is trusted on all three downs."
For now, the two can form a dynamic duo, or trio presuming Trayveon Williams becomes more involved in the running back rotation. How the reps are divvied up will be interesting to observe once training camp begins.
Bengals RB Chase Brown recalls performing drill named after his new teammate
The apprentice gets to learn from the master now.
Featured image via © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
