Where Chase Brown lands on the Cincinnati Bengals depth chart

For the first part of the 2022 campaign, Chase Brown was looked at as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and now he is taking those talents to the NFL ranks.

Brown is one of the most decorated Illini players in the history of the program. He was a Doak Walker Award finalist as a senior. He was also a near-unanimous All-Big Ten and All-American second-team player.

The numbers that Brown put up at Illinois were incredible. As a senior, he would rush for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brown also had 240 yards and three touchdowns receiving. His big-time numbers for the Orange and Blue helped him land in the 2023 NFL Draft.

With pick No. 163 in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals picked Brown.

Cincinnati Bengals depth chart projection – Chase Brown

Brown is entering a great situation in Cincinnati. He has a quarterback in Joe Burrow who has a great arm, and there is a chance Brown can move up the depth chart. Right now, the Bengals are projected to have Brown as the second-string running back entering the season.

The only player ahead of Brown on the depth chart is Joe Mixon. He is a great running back but his numbers and effectiveness dipped a bit this past season. This probably had to do with the Bengals having the No. 21 ranked rush blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

I believe Mixon has the starting job wrapped up as long as he stays healthy. Brown should be the clear-cut No. 2 running back, though. With Samaje Perine out of the way, Brown will get a chance to get carries and be a valuable running back who can receive the football.