The 5 Cincinnati Bengals Who Can Help Joe Burrow Thrive in 2021

As the Cincinnati Bengals work through early off-season programs, building around Joe Burrow is the clear directive. With the second-year passer back on the field after his ugly knee injury, making his life easier is key. Though training camp will paint a clearer picture, this team needs a few key players to help Burrow this season.

Looking ahead to the 2021 campaign, these are the five players who need to step up to make Burrow’s life a little easier:

WR Ja’Marr Chase

After being selected fifth overall in 2021, Chase needs to make a major impact out of the gate. Granted, last time he shared the field with Joe Burrow at LSU, they brought home a championship. 

The 2019 Biletnikoff Trophy winner adds some much needed firepower to the team’s deep ball. Further, his prior connection with Burrow should be a major benefit for the duo. Still, Chase is just 21 years old and needs to get comfortable in the NFL. With that said, he’s receiving high praise during the team’s OTA workouts.

TE CJ Uzomah

Losing all but two games of his 2020 season to a torn Achilles, the Bengals need a big year from CJ Uzomah. Last year, he looked like an early favorite target for Joe Burrow. Now fully recovered from his injury and back on the field, Uzomah needs a career-best campaign. 

In 63 games and six seasons under his belt, Uzomah has compiled a modest 1,098 yards and eight touchdowns. Granted, one of those touchdowns was the first of Burrow’s career. Burrow loves targeting tight ends and Uzomah is the best one on the Bengals roster. Uzomah needs to be a good contributor to this year’s Cincinnati roster.

LT Jonah Williams

Picked 11th overall in 2019, the Bengals are expecting a big year from Jonah Williams. After passing on two potential franchise tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft, this team shows their confidence in Williams.

For certain, Williams needs to have a much healthier 2021 campaign. He missed his entire rookie season with an injury and played just ten games last season with injuries as well. Entering camp, Williams looks bigger and stronger than ever, which is a good indicator. Regardless, he’s the key to keeping Burrow’s blindside protected this year.

DE Trey Hendrickson

While he’s on the other side of the football, the Bengals need to do a better job getting the ball back to Burrow. In Hendrickson, the team adds an exciting pass rush weapon to improve their league-wort group from 2021. 

Certainly, getting teams off the field faster on defense will help that cause. Adding 13.5 sacks to a group that compiled just 17 total last season is a major upgrade. After all, part of this Hendrickson investment from Cincinnati involves helping Burrow in the grand scheme. 

TE Drew Sample

In his two years of NFL experience so far, Sample has underwhelmed as a second-round choice. Regardless, he’s become one of the position’s best blockers and a solid backup option. 

Due to the departure of Giovani Bernard, the Bengals need Sample to play a major role in pass protection. He shows the ability to play well from the H-back position and should play a major role there in 2021. Additionally, he looks incredibly comfortable as a pass-catcher in Cincinnati’s offense.