2020 NFL Draft: 5 Teams with the most at stake
5. Cincinnati Bengals
When you finish with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, there are typically more problems with your team than just the quarterback. The Cincinnati Bengals had a host of issues along their offensive line and defensive front, finishing 30th in points scored, 29th in yards allowed, and 26th in defensive sacks.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Despite having an average quarterback in Andy Dalton running the show for most of the year, the Bengals were only able to win two games.
Although this regime is in its infancy, this is a critical draft for Cincinnati. Joe Burrow may be locked and loaded as their first-round selection, but the team needs to come away with more starters than just their quarterback, especially since they only added six notable free agents this offseason.
Many quarterbacks like David Carr and Josh Rosen saw their careers derailed after beginning their stints in the NFL without any support. The Bengals cannot allow Burrow to suffer the same fate; with A.J. Green coming off of an injury and Joe Mixon potentially holding out, they will need to prioritize the offensive side of the ball.
It is doubtful the current regime will see major repercussions if they miss on any of their picks aside from Burrow, but it is still incredibly important for Cincinnati to have a successful draft. Their future will be built off of this 2020 draft, and if they fail, it could have a long-term impact on Burrow’s development.