He’s didn’t graduate from Ohio State, nor did he play his final season with the Scarlet and Gray. But, Joe Burrow was a Buckeye at one point and is still a fan favorite of Buckeye Nation. He is an Ohio State graduate and alum after all. So yeah, there’s a little credit being taken here.
For Burrow, change was inevitable. From a lesser-known Ohio community to the big-time Ohio Stadium, Burrow eventually transferred to LSU, where his stardom flourished.
Burrow is projected to be the draft’s top-overall selection after throwing 60 touchdowns during his fifth collegiate season. Also winning the Heisman, he showed leadership on the way to a national championship for LSU.
While many have pegged potential trades for the Bengals or just completely written them off as a place Burrow wants to play, he’s like to head to the Queen City with the first-overall pick.
Going back to his roots, Burrow would be able to captain a team led by superstar receiver A.J. Green and snubbed Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. An improved defense will also help Burrow during his rookie season.
Burrow is hands down the favorite to be the top pick, and there’s no denying he may easily be the most impactful player in the draft by a long shot.
The star played for Ohio State from 2015-2017. That said, let’s dive into what makes Burrow special.
Next … Joe Burrow’s strengths
Burrow’s strengths
Burrow is accurate.
His leadership and accuracy are his two biggest strengths entering the draft. Throwing for 60 touchdowns and only six interceptions, Burrow showed a fantastic sense of anticipation.
It’s more than just that though. It’s his pocket presence mixed with his elite timing that helped elevate Burrow to the draft’s best prospect.
Standing 6-foot, 4-inches, Burrow is a capable athlete as well. Combine his physical ability with his over 75% completion percentage in his final season, and there’s no doubt Burrow is the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft.
Next … Joe Burrow’s perceived weaknesses
Burrow’s weaknesses
The one thing that has scouts weary of Burrow is his deep ball. Justin Herbert and Jordan Love both have much better arms in terms of pure throwing distance. That could plague Burrow in some sets throughout his first season.
Potentially playing with a deep threat like A.J. Green, Burrow may be accurate with throws over 15 yards, but can he throw accurately at over 25 or even at 40?
That and his speed are both potential negatives for any team looking at Burrow as their next franchise quarterback. But, that said, if that’s the biggest weaknesses, any organization will be just fine putting their trust in him. Even that is a little underrated.
Next … Where Burrow is likely to go
Burrow’s draft prediction
This is easy.
Burrow will be a Cincinnati Bengal, and if he’s not, the entire NFL stratosphere will be shaken. Although they have former Pro Bowl quarterback Andy Dalton on the team, Burrow is expected to take the Bengals to a new level after Dalton had the worst season of his career.
Although not the biggest and most robust market, Burrow will instantly be a fan favorite in Cincinnati.
