Thanks to a 11-game defeat streak to begin a 2019 season that ended with just two wins, the Bengals earned the top overall pick in the 2020 draft. First, congratulations. Second, this is the just the fourth time Cincinnati has had the top overall pick in the draft. This is sort of amazing. That number seems low. Typically this is when I compare the Cincinnati Bengals to something awful to help explain how awful they are, but I can't, as it's the Bengals I usually do the comparing to. For example, James Dolan is the Cincinnati Bengals of NBA owners. See how well that works? Anyhow, the last time Cincy had the top overall pick was way back in 2003, when they snagged Carson Palmer, the Heisman Trophy gunslinger from USC.
This draft, should be no different. This team needs a ton of help. The offense, like my son's fourth grade class homage to Peter Pan, lacks anything that resembles talent. The defense has players, but they're starting to look like the cast of Cocoon. Yet, in the modern day of the NFL, if you don't have true talent at the quarterback spot, you're wasting all our time.
Option #1 - Joe Burrow, QB - LSU
With a national title and Heisman Trophy under his belt, Borrow went from being an afterthought in this seasons's draft, to the obvious top pick. This is what happens when you produce what is arguable the greatest season by a quarterback in college football history (76% passing percentage, for 5,671 yards with 60 touchdowns, six interceptions and one cigar).
There are too many positives to mention them all, but the highlights are pocket presence and decision-making, mobility and accuracy. During this past season's postseason, it seemed like every third throw Burrow made was a 40-yard dime in tight coverage that resulted in a touchdown. The deep thinkers will tell you he lacks arm strength (overrated), has small hands (meaningless) and was just a one-hit wonder last year, but a lot of factors go into that; including maturity, coaching and surrounding talent.
At 23 years of age, he has the maturity to step right into a system, learn it and compete at a high level, if...and this is the biggest of ifs...there is any talent around him.
Option #2 - Trade, Baby. Trade
At last count, the Bengals need a talent upgrade at not only quarterback, but all over the offense line, at both wide receiver and tight end and at all three levels on the defensive side. They aren't going to resolve all those issues with the seven picks they have in this draft.
A team like the Panthers, not completely sold on Teddy and with an owner who likes to stick out his balls and wave 'em around like he just doesn't care, might be willing to give up years worth of picks to replace Cam. The Jaguars got two picks among the top-20 (#9 and #20), plus a second rounder (#42). What if they offered up those three, plus a first next season?
The same goes for the Raiders, who failed to land Tom Brady. They have picks 12/19 this year and do they really want to start a new era in Vegas with Derek Carr battling it out with Marcus Mariota? Lastly, what about the Fins? Sure, they seem to have their eye on Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick, but when it comes time to make decisions, why not swap out a pair of one's and a couple of picks next year for Burrow?
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