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2020 NFL Draft: The most improved rosters in the NFL this offseason

By Sayre Bedinger

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 08: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans caches a 43 yard pass for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 08: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans caches a 43 yard pass for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Joe Burrow 2020 NFL Draft
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images /

AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals

An argument could be made in this division for the Baltimore Ravens as the most improved team in the division, but the Cincinnati Bengals’ involvement in free agency pushed them over the top this year.

New (projected) starters in 2020

  • QB Joe Burrow
  • WR Tee Higgins
  • DL DJ Reader
  • LB Logan Wilson
  • CB Mackensie Alexander
  • CB Trae Waynes

In addition to these moves, the Bengals slapped AJ Green with the franchise tag, so one of the best playmakers in franchise history will be back in 2020 as well.

Getting Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is absolutely massive. Burrow was Tom Brady-like in his senior season at LSU, using incredible pocket presence to completely dominate the opposition all year long.

He looks ready for the rigors of the NFL, and although Andy Dalton deserves respect, I think Burrow is going to provide the Bengals with a substantial jolt in 2020.

Getting Tee Higgins to come along with Burrow at the top of the second round was an intriguing move by the Bengals, who now have a quartet of receivers — Green, Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and John Ross — who can beat you a variety of ways.

The Bengals also get redshirt rookie Jonah Williams back off of injured reserve this season.

Defensively, the most underrated move in the entire offseason was the Bengals pairing up DJ Reader with Geno Atkins on their interior defensive line. That is going to be a very, very difficult duo for opposing teams to defend.

I love what the Bengals did in the secondary in free agency as well by bringing in Mackensie Alexander to play the slot and Trae Waynes to build off of a solid finish to his time with the Vikings at outside corner.

Logan Wilson in round three is a big-time selection for this team as a player who is going to constantly be around the football.

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