2020 NFL Mock Draft: What if the Bengals pass on Joe Burrow?
By Dan Parzych
Pick Analysis. Edge. Ohio State. 56. Scouting Report. Chase Young. 1. player
Cards on the table, there is only one player at the moment who seems worthy enough to possibly being selected over Joe Burrow with the top overall pick in April’s draft, and that would be Ohio State’s Chase Young.
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If it weren’t for Burrow’s historic season, chances are that Young would be a lock for the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft since the Buckeyes star is arguably the best defensive player from this year’s class.
Young’s numbers alone from the last three seasons are enough to show just how much of an impact the star defender made over the years at Ohio State, including a strong 2019 campaign in which he recorded 16.5 sacks along with 21 tackles for loss.
Clearly, Young’s ability as an effective pass-rusher shows what he could do for the Bengals on the defensive side of the football since it seems like only a matter of time before he’s viewed as one of the top defenders in the league.
This kind of statement may sound crazy to make over a player who has yet to play a single NFL game but just look at the role played by Nick Bosa this past season in helping the San Francisco 49ers reach the Super Bowl.
Cincinnati is obviously nowhere near the same level as San Francisco talent-wise, but the addition of someone like Young would be a great first step for the Bengals rebuilding their defense.