It appears increasingly likely the Cincinnati Bengals will indeed select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network called the Bengals drafting Burrow a “slam dunk” while also saying most of Cincy's meetings with him have actually consisted of a rundown of the offensive system Burrow will be running (via Chris Roling of USA TODAY):
“They have not come out and said they are taking him, but Tom, this looks like the biggest slam dunk we’ve seen in a very long time.”
Great, right? Rapoport also noted the Bengals have merely been helping Burrow understand what he’ll be running upon arrival, including high-level concepts.
By all accounts, it seems the Athens, Ohio native will be playing for the hometown team.
The Bengals have held steady in their desire to make Burrow the next franchise quarterback. They have denied trade overtures from the Miami Dolphins regarding the top pick, and some of the moves they made this offseason imply Burrow will be the first one off the board.
Cincinnati used the franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green and are also working on a contract extension with Green in an effort to give Burrow a legitimate No. 1 receiver early in his career.
The Bengals also committed plenty of money to the likes of cornerback Trae Waynes and defensive tackle D.J. Reader, likely electing to shore up the defensive unit with the hopes Burrow can come in and produce right away.
While the Bengals have yet to outright say they will be drafting Burrow, do not expect any surprises come April 23.
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