Bengals: Joe Burrow vs other 2020 quarterback prospects

It’s no surprise Joe Burrow is statistically having one of the best seasons in recent memory, but the gap between Burrow and other quarterback prospects the Bengals can take this year is bigger than people think.

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow leads the country in passing touchdowns with 55 and is second in passing yards with 5,208 yards. The Heisman Trophy winner also has a completion percentage of 77.6%, which would be an NCAA record if it stands.

Here’s how Burrow’s statistics stack up against the rest of the NCAA quarterbacks (Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa, who are the two other quarterbacks projected to get drafted early in the first round, are highlighted as well).

Passing Yards

2. Joe Burrow – 5,208

18. Justin Herbert – 3,471

48. Tua Tagovailoa – 2,840

Passing Touchdowns

1. Joe Burrow – 55

10. Tua Tagovailoa – 33

13. Justin Herbert – 32

Completion Percentage

1. Joe Burrow – 77.6%

13. Justin Herbert – 66.8%

NA. Tua Tagovailoa – 71.4%

According to PFF, Burrow leads all NCAA quarterbacks in passing grade in a tight window with 87.3, with the next highest being 76.4.

Cam Mellor of PFF has Burrow as the highest-graded passer on all in-breaking routes this season. This would pair nicely with Tyler Boyd running in-breaking routes out of the slot.

Burrow’s 94.6 overall grade (via PFF college) is tied for the highest overall rating seen in the PFF College era.

With such an impressive season, Burrow appears to be the obvious choice for the first overall pick. The only question is, will his dominance translate to the next level? The stats suggest he will, but the Bengals need to put him in the best position possible to succeed right away. Improving the offensive line is a must this offseason to assure the rookie quarterback has the best protection possible.

The Cincinnati Bengals have a great opportunity to improve the team in preparation for a rookie quarterback this offseason. With a number of offensive weapons already in place, last year’s first-round offensive lineman Jonah Williams set to play his first snaps next season, and plenty of money and draft picks to improve the offensive line, all the pieces are in place to turn the franchise around. The moves seem obvious, but it’s now in the hands of a struggling front office to fix the mess. Taking Joe Burrow in the draft is an obvious choice this front office can’t make the mistake of messing up.