Joe Burrow will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Viewed by many as the consensus top prospect in this year’s class, the Cincinnati Bengals will be excited to select their new face of the franchise on April 23. However, not all around the NFL are convinced Burrow is a great player.
Coming off a historic collegiate season with the LSU Tigers, Burrow sent his draft stock soaring from a likely Day 3 selection to the No. 1 overall pick within a year. However, one prominent NFL evaluator told The Athletic’s Ben Standig that Burrow isn’t that kind of player that will become a franchise quarterback at the next level.
The evaluator isn’t the only prominent NFL figure to question Burrow’s talent. Critics of the quarterback’s game have pointed to Burrow benefiting from an incredible system under Joe Brady, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
Some have also taken aim at Burrow’s arm strength and questioned his ability to consistently make all the throws, especially deep down the field. While the 23-year-old might not have the biggest arm, those speaking out against his abilities are in the minority.
Burrow has received comparisons to Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. While they didn’t necessarily have the strongest arm, all of these quarterbacks consistently dominated and won with their intelligence, composure, leadership and decision-making.
The 23-year-old quarterback has admitted to some of the weaker points in his game, but remains confident that he can turn a team into a winner. He showed what he is capable of this season, especially during a record Peach Bowl performance and with another strong showing to win the title.
Some around the league might question Burrow’s talent, but it’s clear the Bengals aren’t one of those teams. The moment they are on the clock with the No. 1 pick, the Bengals will submit their pick quickly and celebrate the selection of their franchise quarterback.