The 0-7 Bengals clearly have more problems than just quarterback, but taking one in the first round is looking more and more likely. Is LSU’s Joe Burrow a good fit?
The Bengals front office is going to have some tough decisions to make this offseason, but the draft is looking like the most difficult one. The Bengals will likely have a top five first round pick for the first time since they drafted A.J. Green fourth overall in 2011.
It is hard to tell at this point what direction they go with their first round draft pick. Offensive line has to be addressed this offseason, but the only lineman projected to go super early is tackle Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. Thomas could be an amazing addition to the offensive line with last year’s first rounder Jonah Williams returning next season.
They also could be looking at improving on defense. Chase Young, the edge rusher out of Ohio State, looks like he is the best player in the draft . He has tremendous strength and speed off the edge. He is a game changer. Getting a player like that can speed up turning things around for a team like the Bengals, but defensive line isn’t at the top of the list when it comes to the Bengals needs
Carlos Dunlap has been a dependable veteran at defensive end for Cincinnati and is under contract until 2022. Sam Hubbard and Carl Lawson have proven to be solid young guys off the edge and their potential is high. The idea of getting the best player available is never bad, but there are still more pressing problems to address.
With a lot of Bengals fans calling for a change at the quarterback position, it could be time for the Bengals to draft their next franchise quarterback. I don’t blame the Bengals struggles all on Andy Dalton, but the stats show a decline in performance since the team’s last playoff appearance. Dalton is 31 years old. With the new coaching staff and the team among the worst in football, it seems like the right time to move on to a younger quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and Joe Burrow are all brought up in the conversation for the Bengals in the next draft. If the Bengals decide to go quarterback, Joe Burrow is the best option. The 6’4 QB out of LSU would bring a new style to the Bengals offense. Burrow, along with offensive weapons Tyler Boyd, John Ross, Auden Tate, Joe Mixon, and possibly A.J. Green would open up the playbook and allow for more ways to get the playmakers the ball.
Burrow is a smart quarterback. His awareness in the pocket and his ability to make split second decisions and react quickly make him a good prospect. He has a great arm, but doesn’t solely rely on it to make plays. He has athleticism which gives him the option to leave the pocket when he feels pressure. If opposing defenses drop their guard, he can break off a sizable run. With the right play calling, John Ross could finally be the consistent playmaker the Bengals need with Burrow at quarterback.
It’s early, but if the Bengals decide to go quarterback, they should take a serious look at Burrow. Regardless of what position they intend to take, they have major holes to fill. Do they fill the holes or take a chance on a new young quarterback? Only time will tell.