The Cincinnati Bengals stuck to the script and selected quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL Draft this evening.
Instead of shaking hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Joe Burrow was in his home town of Akron, Ohio, surrounded by family when he was selected.
The Bengals owned the first overall pick for the first time since 2003 – when they selected Carson Palmer – after coming off a lacklustre 2-14 season.
A former Ohio-State quarterback, Joe Burrow was the favourite to be picked by Cincinnati after a phenomenal season at LSU which saw him help the team to a national championship.
Ahead of the pick, head coach Zac Taylor told ESPN: “We talked to a lot of guys, but certainly formed a really good relationship with Joe and have been really impressed with everything we’ve seen from him.”
Although the 23-year-old started his college career at Ohio State, he transferred to LSU in his junior year year.
Last season, Burrow passed for more than 5,600 yards with 60 touchdowns, the latter being the most in a single season in NCAA history.
The Heisman trophy winner led LSU to the national championship game against Clemson where he threw for 463 yards with six touchdowns, five passing, and a 42-25 victory.
He’s already drawn comparisons to the likes of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning with many considering his final collegiate season to be the finest by any quarterback in history.
The Bengals have made a number of moves to help provide a supportive roster for Burrow on his arrival.
This included signing former Texans DT D.J. Reader, former Vikings CB Trae Waynes and former safety Vonn Bell.
They’ve also signed linebacker Josh Bynes from Baltimore and slot cornerback Mackensie Alexander from Minnesota as well as XFL running back Jacques Patrick.
Wide receiver A.J Green was given the franchise tag despite him missing the 2019 season due to an ankle injury.
Pundits estimate the Bengals will use the next of their draft capital on shoring up the offensive line to protect their brand new quarterback.
What do you think about the Bengals’ pick? Where will they finish this season?
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