The case for Joe Burrow

[*SHRacerX*]

(01-05-2020, 04:05 PM)Joelist Wrote: A lot of draftniks are projecting Joe Burrow to us at the #1 overall pick. I wanted to look at the case for taking him in the most neutral (to current players) manner I could.

1) He does seem to possess skills we will need in the future at QB, such as pocket presence, football smarts (reading the defense and such) and work ethic. Mobility is good enough - not a jackrabbit but able to be mobile. He also seems to have excellent touch on his passes and ball placement is a strength.

2) In theory we would be able to save cap room because we would be putting a rookie seal salary on the rolls in exchange for a (in NFL terms) NFL veteran QB salary that is a bit under the average.

3) Possibility to generating some fan excitement for the franchise.

On the other hand, we might be well advised to redshirt Burrow if we take him until we stabilize the Offensive Line and know we have some targets for him to throw at. Now if we do invest in said issues in Free Agency and/or the Draft this situation kind of goes away.

I will say this - if we go Burrow (I was a Tua supporter until the injury) then I start to strongly consider going WR in Round 2 for a fast, tall WR whose scouting says can run proper routes and play the ball properly in the air (Tee Higgins or Laviska Shenault?).

The big IF before the draft is what FA signings are they able to execute.  They really need a stud FA LB to add to the LB corps and if a really strong SS is available, I go after them as well.  I think the draft will focus (or should) on the offensive line (RT, specifically) and defensive line (more help at DE, perhaps a swing DE/DT).  

Burrow is a layup at this point.  They will be selecting the #1 QB in the draft and the #1 overall QB generally starts...We might be the last ones to have sat the #1 overall pick at QB.

Should the Bengals be able to sign a veteran G like Thuney from the Pats (from Centerville, family still here), and Corey Littleton at LB from the Rams and then draft Burrow....you have the start of a pretty good offseason, and the fan base would be pretty energized.