This is an interesting year to break down who should be the top overall pick in the NFL Draft. It’s a classic case of raw talent vs. position of impact, and the Cincinnati Bengals are the ones tasked with making the decision. Do you go with the ability of Chase Young? Do you take the quarterback in Joe Burrow? Or, do you try and find a partner and get the hell out of the decision? The stage is set for the 2020 NFL Draft.
BOOM – I need to be writing movie trailers with skills like that.
Anyway, there are a whole hell of a lot of scouts out there that think Young is far and away the best prospect in this entire draft class. He has a rare combination of size and athleticism, but he hits that sweet spot where all of that pure talent leads to production (16.5 sacks in 2019). What has to have defensive coaches salivating is how much he’s been able to do without a wide array of pass rush moves. This guy is a lump of clay that one lucky DC is going to get to mold into the next great pass rusher in the NFL. I’d also mention Jeff Okudah in the conversation for the most talented player in the draft, as he also seems to have the perfect combination of size and speed to be an elite player at his position.
But, how do evaluate the impact of the position a player plays? Sure, there are teams that are a Chase Young or a Jeff Okudah away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. But, those teams weren’t bad enough to earn a top 10 pick, which is likely where all of these guys are going to go. And, are those teams willing to trade the capital to move up and get their guy? I don’t know – that’s why I think positional impact weighs huge in this discussion, and ultimately why I think Joe Burrow is the guy.
Burrow doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world, but what he lacks in pure arm talent, he absolutely makes up for in the intangibles, football IQ, and accuracy. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone work the elite defenses in college football the way Burrow worked ’em. Not to mention, this guy has the pedigree of a champion – undefeated, National Championship, Heisman Trophy. He has the moxie you want in a leader. I wish I knew where to credit this (#journalism), but I saw someone call him “The People’s Champ” and holy shit – that could not be more accurate. Everything about this guy SCREAMS “franchise quarterback.”
Maybe if there were no questions at all about Tua Tagovailoa, this would be a different discussion. But, for me, it’s not even close as it stands. Burrow is unequivocally the top quarterback in this class, even without the pure arm talent that Tagovailoa has. Now, maybe the Bengals eventually get an offer they can’t refuse for that top pick if someone becomes obsessed with Burrow. And, maybe the Bengals would be content to land Tagovailoa, or hell, maybe even Justin Herbert, in addition to a boat load of draft picks. But, I just don’t see it happening that way.
But, the bottom line is that this franchise needs a reset. They need to build from the foundation up, and Joe Burrow can be that guy. He’s the best option at the most important position in your construction of a champion. You gotta go get that guy above all others.
MORE 2020 NFL DRAFT CONTENT
Ideal Landing Spots For Tua Tagovailoa In The NFL
I’m Okay With The Jerry Jeudy-Odell Beckham Jr. Comparison
Jerry Jeudy Wears A Jewish Star Of David Necklace, But He’s Not Jewish
Tennessee Titans Draft Needs 2020
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
