chase brown
Chase Brown: The Complete Analytical Deep Dive into the Bengals' Rising Running Back
Key Takeaways
- Chase Brown is an NFL running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, drafted in the 6th round (215th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Illinois.
- He recorded 1,205 total yards from scrimmage and 7 total touchdowns during his rookie season, establishing himself as a reliable three-down contributor.
- Brown excels as a pass-catching running back, catching 61 passes for 535 yards in 2023 — among the highest targets received by any rookie RB that season.
- His yards-after-catch (YAC) average and run-after-catch efficiency place him in the upper tier of NFL running backs in these metrics.
- Brown is known for his contact balance, vision, and pass-protection skills, making him a modern full-spectrum offensive weapon rather than a traditional feature-back.
Early Life and College Career at Illinois
High School Rise in Indiana
Chase Brown hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended Northrop High School. As a two-way player, he showcased elite speed and toughness on both sides of the ball — recording over 2,000 rushing yards and multiple defensive sacks as a senior. His dual-threat ability earned him a four-star recruiting rating and commitments from several Big Ten programs.
Illinois Fighting Illini — Building a Foundation
Brown committed to the University of Illinois, where he would spend three productive seasons (2020–2022). Initially a backup, he seized opportunities created by injuries and earned starting snaps. His collegiate statistics tell a story of consistency and explosive potential:
| Season | Games | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Receptions | Rec Yds | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9 | 388 | 2 | 10 | 82 | 2 |
| 2021 | 12 | 991 | 6 | 33 | 342 | 7 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1,278 | 10 | 48 | 432 | 12 |
| College Total | 34 | 2,657 | 18 | 91 | 856 | 21 |
His dominant 2022 campaign — 1,278 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns — earned him first-team All-Big Ten honorable mention and established him as a credible NFL draft prospect.
NFL Draft Profile and Selection
Entering the 2023 NFL Draft, Brown was projected as a mid-to-late round selection. His combine testing revealed a runner with excellent vision, change-of-pace ability, and pass-catching reliability:
| Metric | Result | Position Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.52s | Top 15 (RB) |
| 10-Yard Split | 1.62s | Top 8 (RB) |
| 20-Yard Split | 2.69s | Top 10 (RB) |
| Broad Jump | 9' 5" | Above Average |
| Vertical Jump | 34.5" | Above Average |
The Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the sixth round (pick 215 overall), valuing his versatility and ability to contribute immediately on third down and in the passing game.
NFL Career Breakdown: Rookie Season and Beyond
2023 Rookie Campaign — Immediate Impact
Brown's rookie season was nothing short of remarkable. He emerged as a key component of the Bengals' backfield and passing attack, recording one of the most productive seasons by a 2023 running back class