If there’s any solace in the Eagles sliding back in this year’s draft, it’s the thought that Ja’Marr Chase probably wasn’t going to be there at #6 anyway.

There was the report from Albert Breer earlier this week, saying the Birds thought Cincinnati might take the LSU receiver at #5 overall, and after Wednesday’s Pro Day performance, he’s pretty much solidifying himself as a top-five pick:

That’s a crazy number for somebody at his height and weight. He was seen as an elite outside receiver and possession guy with all of the physical tools, but Chase was not projected as a next-levelspeed burner.

For some 40-yard dash context here, Stefon Diggs ran a 4.46. DeAndre Hopkins ran a 4.57 and last year Justin Jefferson hit 4.43. Chase’s number is incredible for somebody in that six foot, 205 pound range.

Pro Football Focus also shared these stats:

  • Ja’Marr Chase: vertical jump 41” / broad jump 11’
  • DK Metcalf (at combine): vertical jump  40.5” / broad jump 11’2″
  • Julio Jones: vertical jump 40.5″ / broad jump 11’3″

Insanity. He is a certified freak athlete.

But again, the good thing for Eagles fans is that a fantastic Pro Day from Chase just solidifies what we already assumed – that’s probably going to be reunited with Joe Burrow in Cincy. Yes, if the Birds stayed at #6, they would have had a shot at Kyle Pitts or Penei Sewell, but they will get a very good player at #12 overall and have flexibility next year to move up for a quarterback, or trade for one, if Jalen Hurts doesn’t pan out.