Why 2020 quarterback prospects should want to play for the Bengals

Nothing is certain, but as the season rolls on, the Bengals look more and more likely to take a quarterback high in the 2020 draft. Cincinnati should be a desirable location for every signal caller hoping to hear their name called.

The national media often portrays the Cincinnati Bengals as among the least desirable franchises to play for. Free agents spurn the cold winters to soak up sun rays in other areas of the country. The team doesn’t compete as consistently as many of their NFL counterparts. Even worse, Mike Brown has earned a reputation for being cheap.

However, as the top college quarterbacks begin to turn their focus towards the draft, they should view the Bengals as a desirable destination for a plethora of reasons.

If this team doesn’t get in the win column soon, some tweaks could be made to the coaching staff. Still, the current staff is an ideal one for young quarterbacks

Head coach Zac Taylor’s alleged offensive brilliance remains unseen in Cincinnati to this point.  However, he was a collegiate and CFL quarterback before trading in his helmet for a whistle and headset.

Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is a former UCLA Bruin and also made his way into the coaching ranks after learning the games most important position. To top it all off, the Bengals have Aaron Rodgers’ former mentor, Alex Van Pelt, a former quarterback himself.

Current season aside, this trio offers a tremendous track record for a new quarterback trying to establish himself in the NFL. They all know the nuances, difficulties, and pressure that comes with playing the position.

Armed with this, they will almost assuredly make the transition into the league much smoother. Despite the regular season being a disaster to this point, It was easy to see their quality of work this preseason with young quarterbacks Ryan Finley and Jake Dolegala.

Aside from coaching, the Bengals have players at the skill positions that will make any quarterback look good at times.

A.J. Green is now a firmly established veteran and it’s clear the Bengals don’t plan on letting him go anywhere. The do it all wide receiver has the catch radius and leaping ability that will give a new face of the franchise room for error until he calms his nerves.

The team wields one of the most talented running backs in the league in Joe Mixon as well. The jittery back will draw linebackers in and help make those play action reads a bit easier.

If that weren’t enough, the Bengals have the fastest man in the NFL. If all else fails, throw it deep and let John Ross run underneath it.

Sure, the offensive line hasn’t been great this season, but the team has help on the way. Jonah Williams will make his return next year to anchor the line. Billy Price and Michael Jordan will gain more experience. The front office might just surprise everybody and pluck talent from the free agent market. More help will assuredly come via the draft as well.

Beyond coaching and offensive talent, the Bengals offer the opportunity to become the savior of a franchise and win an entire city’s hearts over. No other fan base is as desperate as Cincinnati’s to taste a playoff victory.

Good young coaching, talented play makers, and a chance at glory. What more could a young quarterback with something to prove ask for?