Although the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, there are those that believe that he is being set up for failure given the team's recent struggles. It appears this notion does not sit will with ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

Kiper came to bat for those criticizing the Bengals of being a losing organization during an appearance on ESPN's “Get Up”:

Although the Bengals are still in the midst of a grueling rebuild, Kiper clearly has not written them off as a franchise that simply does not know how to win. Their recent track record certainly leaves much to be desired, however, there is plenty of optimism that Burrow will be the one to spark a potential resurgence.

Cincinnati has doubled down on this notion with their spending spree during free agency in an effort to shore up the supporting cast. Burrow has also done what he can to dispel the prospect that he will have trouble finding ways to win at the next level. It is safe to say that his confidence has only given them more reason to believe they can bounce back next season.

Of course, only time will tell whether or not there is any truth to Kiper's comments. The AFC North is shaping up to be much more competitive than it was during the 2019 campaign.

Burrow and this upstart Bengals team will have their work cut out trying to make their presence felt as soon as next year.