When looking back on the NFL Draft a couple of years removed from the event, it’s not always easy to determine who was the best player in that years’ class. Many teams draft for need over talent, selecting a quarterback before he’s slated to go, or passing up on a linebacker because they need a left tackle.
For instance, look at the 2018 draft — QB Baker Mayfield was selected first, but there are a number of players who were picked behind him who are definitely better, including Saquon Barkley, Quenton Nelson, and Bradley Chubb. So when we look back on the upcoming 2020 draft in a few years’ time, will we think that Joe Burrow — who is expected to go No. 1 to the Cincinnati Bengals — is better than Chase Young?
Well, Young doesn’t think so. When asked by ESPN’s Maria Taylor if he thought he was the best, his answer was definitive.
“Yes, definitely,” Young told Taylor during an Instagram Live session last week. “I know I’m the best, definitely.”
This is not a new proclamation from Young, who is extremely confident in his abilities on the field. At the 2020 NFL Combine, when asked a similar question, Young responded with a similar answer:
“I definitely think I’m the best player in the draft,” Young said, via Bleacher Report. “I think I showed it on my tape. Every game, I think I showed it. I definitely think I put my best foot forward this year. I grinded hard. Two of my biggest things are hard work and dedication, and I’m going to bring those two to the NFL with me.”
Many of the top minds in the NFL think that Young is the best prospect in the draft as well, so it’s no surprise that Young agrees. For Washington Redskins fans, it’s time to be thankful that the Bengals have a need for Burrow at No. 1, and Young will likely fall into their laps at No. 2.
