Joe Burrow will be selected number one overall by Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals in the upcoming 2020 draft. The franchise, often an afterthought, will rightfully select a quarterback who has the potential to change their organization’s culture. He is a potential game-changer at the games most critical position, but Burrow is not the most impactful player in the draft. This selection could lead the Bengals down the same path they have been on for the past few seasons. Losing. Chase Young will not go number one but is in fact the most talented player in this draft. If you want to argue, then I will hear case, only if it involves Isaiah Simmons. The Ohio State, and Clemson products, are respectively 1 and 2 in terms of overall talent and game-wrecking ability.
I know exactly what you are thinking. Burrow’s importance at the QB position is what sets him apart and why he will be the most impactful player in this draft. This is true, but it is not the only important position in roster building. The other critical positions to a roster are the edge rusher, left tackle, and cornerback. If you do not have that solid foundation, then drafting a QB simply to make the fans happy may not be in your best interests. The Bengals have no protection up front on offense, no pass defense, and no depth. Young or Simmons would allow for a proper rebuild rather than throwing Burrow into the fire.
Young vs. Simmons
Both of these players are mesmerizing, dynamic, and unique in their skillset. Chase Young is a dominant rusher that uses finesse and power with beautiful technique. He projects to be at least a 10-12 sack per season player that teams will constantly have to game-plan against. On the other hand, Simmons is a freak of nature who can play all three levels of the field. He is less dynamic in one area but adds a whole lot more versality. The Clemson product is a defensive coordinator’s dream. If Young isn’t the best player in this draft, then it is Simmons. Both have the ability to be franchise cornerstones at critical positions for years to come.
Why Chase Young number one?
I will be the first one to admit, you have to be willing to take a chance in order to find a franchise quarterback. Joe Burrow seems destined to be that guy for the Bengals and his play this past season backs that up with a huge exclamation point. The selection of a QB number one overall will not be a bad one, it just will not be the best one. The organization is passing up on consistent havoc creator in Chase Young. He fits wonderfully into a 4-3 look, can stop the run, and is athletic enough to get to the quarterback no matter the situation. Pair him up with veteran Carlos Dunlap and watch your defense prosper based on pass rush alone. This is more of a long-term strategy. With the landscape of the NFL, where you do not get a ton of time to turn a team around, you can see why the Bengals have already decided on Joe Burrow. Cincy make look back on this draft and determine that they did not dictate the draft but, the draft dictated them.