2020 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders, Jaguars make big trades in round one

There is still no doubt in my mind about this one. The Cincinnati Bengals WILL select Joe Burrow with the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and barring some crazy, unforeseen turn of events, that will be the case in each of my 2020 NFL mock drafts from here on out.

There were some rumblings before the Scouting Combine that Burrow would use some sort of “leverage” to work his way out of Cincinnati. While Burrow didn’t exactly come out and say that he would be thrilled to have the opportunity to play for the Bengals, he did say that he wouldn’t “not play”.

Burrow is clearly the pick for the quarterback-needy Bengals. They have been working with Andy Dalton on a potential trade, Ryan Finley is clearly not the long-term option and Burrow had arguably the best season in college football history this season.

With pocket presence, mobility, accuracy, anticipation and football IQ, Joe Burrow has all the makings of a top-tier NFL quarterback right away. With Cincinnati likely to tag wide receiver A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd and John Ross remaining on the roster, Burrow will have a decent set of targets for his rookie season and will be the centerpiece for a true rebuild.

No matter what Burrow says and what other teams may offer, the smart move for the Bengals is to select Joe Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He really turned it on this season and as crazy good as his numbers were this season, he still has room to improve. Head coach Zac Taylor would love to have a quarterback like Burrow to develop and build around for years to come.