2020 NFL Draft: Five teams who should target Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts

Cincinnati Bengals

With the number one overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengal select … not Jalen Hurts. Hurts has not done nearly enough to be considered even a certain first-rounder, but could fall into the lap of a franchise in disrepair in the second or even third round. Cincinnati could still take Chase Young at number one and address their quarterback needs later in the draft if they feel Hurts has better value.

Cincinnati currently sports an offensive roster of young talent that has yet to breakout and cement themselves as stars. Running back Joe Mixon has quietly had an impressive 2019 campaign, with 789 rushing yards (14th) and 1,019 yards from scrimmage (22nd). Doing this with subpar quarterback play and a marred offensive line, Mixon is more than deserving of being considered an RB1.

Other than injured star A.J. Green (likely to leave this offseason), Cincinnati has receivers, Tyler Boyd, John Ross, and Tyler Eifert to throw to. Each has had their share of issues and concerns throughout the past seasons and doesn’t match up as a serious threat. The Bengals also rank 31st in total defense (YPG) and do not possess any outstanding talent other than an average, 31-year-old Geno Atkins at defensive tackle.

If Hurts is looking to take over the helm from the start and mold the team in his image, Cincinnati is the place to do it. Talent will need to be added throughout his rookie contract, but the return of injured rookie tackle Jonah Williams will be immensely helpful to Hurts’ cause. There are few situations in the NFL that offer a clean slate and fresh start for a franchise, and the Bengals are one of them.