A new 2020 NFL mock draft from Todd McShay doesn’t pull any surprises at the very top with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
And why should it? As of now, Burrow is the prospect coming off a historic season and the Bengals could use not only his talents, but his Ohio upbringing as a way to turn around the franchise and reinspire the lagging fanbase.
Here’s the explanation from Todd McShay of ESPN:
“This shouldn’t surprise you, and in case you haven’t been paying attention, consider this: 60touchdown passes, a ridiculous 76.3% completion percentage, an undefeated season, a national title and a Heisman Trophy. There isn’t much more Burrow can do to solidify himself as the top quarterback of the draft class, and the Bengals should absolutely take one with the first pick –especially because veteranAndy Dalton can be cut without a dead cap hit. Burrow’s elite accuracy and fantastic pocket presence are undeniable, but can Cincinnati put him in a position to succeed with a better supporting cast? That will be something to watch during free agency.”
The comment about a supporting cast is interesting at least, as it mostly pertains to the offensive line. Burrow will have Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard out of the backfield, as well as Tyler Boyd and John Ross. Both A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert could be back.
But the point about free agency stands — will the Bengals go all-in around a rookie quarterback contract after presumably offloading Andy Dalton’s big deal?
Burrow is exciting, but we’ll find out soon just how aggressive the Bengals will get in pursuit of winning with him.
