The big NFL debate: Justin Jefferson versus Ja’Marr Chase

In+2019%2C+LSU+teammates%2C+wide+receiver+Justin+Jefferson+and+JaMarr+Chase+celebrate+a+touchdown+in+the+second+quarter+over+the+Oklahoma+Sooners.

Courtesy of Getty Images and Todd Kirkland

In 2019, LSU teammates, wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter over the Oklahoma Sooners.

Currently, there is a debate in the National Football League (NFL) on who is the better receiver from the 2019 Lousiana State University offense who posted over 8,400 yards of total offense. 

The argument is between former LSU teammates Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, who both now play in the National Football League (NFL). Chase is one option, being local to Northern Kentucky, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Jefferson is another option, playing for the Minnesota Vikings.

Let’s debate. 

ROOKIE SEASON:

Second-year 22nd pick of the 2020 draft Jefferson has had a tremendous impact on the Vikings with a total of 16 games played and a total of 88 receptions, 1,402 yards, 7 touchdowns, and a 70.4% catching rate. Along with this, he also set the franchise rookie receptions record (88), breaking the previous record of 69 set by Randy Moss in 1998. According to the official Minnesota Vikings website, he became the 4th player in NFL history to record 7 games with 100+ yards as a rookie. He soon after joined Harlon Hill (7 in 1954), Odell Beckham Jr. (7 in 2014), and Bill Groman (9 in 1960).

With Chase just now playing his first couple of games, it is looking like he will pan out with already having 7 receptions, 155 yards, averaging 22.1 yards, and 2 touchdowns.  

COMPARING COMBINE DAYS:

Chase is a solid 6-foot ¾, 205 pounds with 33-inch arms while running a 4.4 40 yard dash, 11-1 broad, and 41.5 inches vertical with 23 reps of 225 on the bench. 

On the other hand, Jefferson is a 6’1, 202-pound receiver with a 4.4 40 yard dash, 13’ broad, and 37.5 inches vertical with n/a reps of 225 on the bench. 

Both players had their ups and downs but all when based on combined stats, I would prefer Chase because he has a solid frame and athleticism.

COMPARING SEASONS AT LSU: 

From 2017-2019 at LSU, Jefferson had a total of 165 receptions, 2415 yards, and 24 touchdowns in just a total of three years. 

In comparison, from 2018-2020, Chase had a total of 107 receptions, 2093 yards, and 23 touchdowns. He did this in just two years, even while not playing during his junior year. 

With these two wide receivers playing on the same team in college, it was just the duo of the era some compare them to the veteran duo that both played for LSU. This veteran duo, which includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, who are both now playing on the Cleveland Browns.

ENDING THOUGHTS:  

I believe that as of right now Jefferson is better when compared to Chase due to his years of experience.

Although once they both become veterans of the NFL, Chase will likely be better than Jefferson, which is due to many people believing that he was better at LSU. He had a baller season during his 2018 sophomore year, and he would have declared to the draft but he was too young so the NFL wouldn’t let him. 

I am looking forward to comparing and contrasting Chase and Jefferson as their seasons and time on the NFL progress.