Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft: No. 1 Joe Burrow, LSU

2020 NFL Draft Prediction: First Overall Pick

This one is easy. Burrow will be the first player selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Outside of a handful of NFL franchises, no NFL team would pass up the opportunity to have Burrow as their starting quarterback in 2020. I believe (given the chance) most general managers would gladly trade in their quarterback for Burrow, any day of the week.

The Cincinnati Bengals are the most likely destination for Burrow, as they have the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. They are clearly ready to move on from Andy Dalton, as he was benched in 2019 once it became clear the season was doomed. But do not be surprised if several teams make ovations to the Bengals front office about acquiring the first pick in the draft, with potentially obscene offers.

The Bengals front office has reportedly told other teams they have no intention of trading away the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. This shoots down several Carolina Panthers supporters fan-fiction of a Joe Brady and Burrow reunion in Charlotte. But with the right offer, any general manager could be convinced to trade the first pick away, even when a quarterback as obviously talented as Burrow is available.

Remember that time Mike Ditka traded every draft pick the Saints had in 1999 for Ricky Williams? It could be tempting for a team like the Bengals, with so many holes on the roster, to pick up the phone if another general manager makes the offer sweet enough. The Bengals may be saying they have no intention of trading the first pick away, but the draft is still several months away.

With that being said, I still think Burrow will be drafted by the Bengals. Head coach Zac Taylor is a smart offensive mind, who has worked with quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill and Jared Goff in the past. Taylor will understand the importance of an elite quarterback and just how much the offense can improve with a talented player like Burrow.

Any NFL team can get to the playoffs with an average quarterback, assuming the defense and run game is elite. But a generational talent can keep a team in contention for a playoff berth every season they are starting.

Look no further than teams like the Seattle Seahawks or the New England Patriots. No matter the turnover at different positions, these teams have been able to consistently able to compete for their respective divisions every season.

Expect Burrow to be the starter for Cincinnati in 2020 and beyond.