The 2020 NFL Draft class is absolutely stacked from top to bottom. Whether it is on offense or defense, premiere positions or not, this year's NFL Draft class is jam-packed with talent that could bring the game to the next level — and in a hurry.
However, every player from the 2020 NFL Draft class can't become a superstar upon making their way from the collegiate level to the professional threshold. For that reason, there are bound to be many busts that ultimately emerge from this year's crop of talent. Not only that, though, but some of the busts may come from the unlikeliest of places in the end as well.
Fresh off of an incredible season at LSU, soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow might have had the best single-season in the history of college football in 2019-20. Winning an SEC title, a National Championship and Heisman Trophy, all while leading the Tigers to an undefeated season, Burrow simply could not have been better throwing for a whopping 60 touchdowns against a mere six interceptions, the expectations skyrocketed for the NFL prospect, thanks to his ridiculous senior season.
However, it should not be forgotten that Burrow only really produced one super impressive season at the collegiate level while splitting his eligibility between the Ohio State Buckeyes and LSU Tigers. Even after registering insane numbers a season ago, it remains to be seen as to whether or not Burrow can continue his magical run — at the NFL level at that.
Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Crimson Tide QB
Previously considered to be a lock to ultimately become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, it will be interesting to see where former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa lands come late April. However, his talent has never been questioned as the Crimson Tide standout impressed in a big way every single time that he took the field — though the key here is when he took the field.
In addition to being an absolute stud under center, Tagovailoa is also known to be injury-prone at this stage of his playing career. Because Tagovailoa was unable to remain healthy down the stretch at Alabama, it is entirely possible that his oft-injured nature, unfortunately, follows him to the NFL ranks.
Justin Herbert, Oregon Ducks QB
Two seasons ago, it appeared as though Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert would quickly become a top NFL Draft pick upon leaving school one year early. However, Herbert decided to return to Oregon for one final go-round in 2019 en route to producing a bit of a down season by his standards. Surprising many throughout the football world, as a result of his decision to return to the Ducks, Herbert still did some remarkable things before officially beginning to gear up for the NFL this time around.
Most definitely slated to still come off the board early on in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it will be interesting to see exactly where Herbert eventually lands. Will he be better off being selected by a team that would allow him to sit until he is truly ready, or would it benefit Herbert to begin his NFL tenure as a starter right off the bat? Because he was unable to string together back-to-back seasons at an elite level, it will be interesting to see how he fairs as a rookie in 2020.
Grant Delpit, LSU Tigers DB
Arguably the best defensive back in college football at times last season, former LSU Tigers safety Grant Delpit did show some signs of being human in 2019. Although no doubt an elite talent as a defensive back at the highest collegiate level, Delpit did get burned on a few occasions this past season, though it did not happen as often as some people would like to think. With that being said, though, Delpit was sometimes saved by his supporting cast as LSU sported one of the best secondaries in recent memory, let alone the country in 2019.
If Delpit does not have the same caliber of supporting cast around him heading into his first NFL season, will his production remain where it should?
CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma Sooners WR
There is certainly not a huge possibility that former Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb becomes a bust upon officially making his way to the NFL. However, Lamb recorded two insane statistical seasons to conclude his collegiate tenure that it may actually be impossible to ultimately live up to the standard that he has set for himself. Almost a lock to be a significant producer as a rookie next season, it remains to be seen as to whether or not his extremely high expectations are just too much to actually live up to at the moment.
Is the hype real? It certainly appears so, but there is only one way to tell.
Follow Us
Subscribe