The Cincinnati Bengals have finally answered at least one part of the question at the running back position by taking Illinois’ Chase Brown in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Brown, owner of 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns on a 5.0 average last year, looks like the team’s answer to losing Samaje Perine unexpectedly in free agency.
The Fighting Illini standout was the second offensive player in a row picked by the Bengals on Day 3 of the draft. Like Purdue wideout Charlie Jones, Brown could have an immediate impact even before earning the right to fight for a full-time role in 2024.
Here’s a look at the reaction to the pick.
Had me at explosive https://t.co/Kje0Z3HqMj
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 29, 2023
This draft rules
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) April 29, 2023
The Bengals have picked a bunch of high RAS guys. They got more dynamic on both sides of the ball.
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) April 29, 2023
CHASE BROWN ELITE PICK HERE
– Round 3/4 talent
– extremely athletic
– Good in pass pro
– Fluid as hellGrade: A
— Jay R (@JayRBP) April 29, 2023
Chase Brown a solid pick for the #Bengals. Twitchy runner. Nasty cuts. Big productive. Freak athlete. Needs to improve blocking for that Cinci passing offense.
— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) April 29, 2023
Chase Brown was drafted with pick 163 of round 5 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.81 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 35 out of 1745 RB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/SK0LX1YTX6 pic.twitter.com/nVqAfpQmlg
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 29, 2023
I LOVE Chase Brown, I am just worried about the 676 carries he took in college taking a toll
Fast and looked great catching balls at the combine
— Matt (@CoachMinich) April 29, 2023
Nearly 1,900 total yards last season and 13 total TDs for the Illini.
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) April 29, 2023
Perfect Joe Mixon compliment
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) April 29, 2023
Good pick! Big fan of Chase Brown Great speed and a willing pass protector
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) April 29, 2023
Bengals just took Illinois RB Chase Brown. Nice insurance policy in case they move on from Joe Mixon.
— Billy “Arm Wrestled Travis Bagent” Riccette (@Billy_Riccette) April 29, 2023
I’m a fan of the pick 💯💯💯
— Teth-Adam (@DCRezz) April 29, 2023
OH MY GOD IT'S CHASE BROWN SZN.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) April 29, 2023
Love Chase Brown, great pick! Just needs to cut down those fumbles
— Nick Crago (@FearDaTiger009) April 29, 2023
Chase Brown notes: Patience to the hole and speed through the hole. Burner that doesn't get tripped up and can run through arm tackles. Great vision. Experienced pass blocker with size limitations. Weapon on the perimeter. Doesn't have the power to consistently churn yardage,…
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 29, 2023
The emotion Chase Brown showed when getting the call makes me automatically love it no matter what.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) April 29, 2023
Chase Brown to the Bengals.
SPARQ!!!!
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 29, 2023
Good pick! Big fan of Chase Brown Great speed and a willing pass protector
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) April 29, 2023
“He’s a heck of a pass blocker too” – Todd McShay on Chase Brown #Bengals
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) April 29, 2023
Chase Brown is an explosive RB. He adds to the Bengals yards after contacts, missed tackles forced, and a high amount of explosive (15+ yard) runs. Hey, this is what they wanted. A guy who can offset Mixon and be an explosive back. He also has a lot of success in zone attempts vs… pic.twitter.com/TYFttIXWRo
— GameOn513 (@gameonjmoney) April 29, 2023
chase brown's only negative was workload. in the 5th, that's negated.
— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) April 29, 2023
