2020 NFL Mock Draft: Post-NFL Combine edition

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
2 of 33
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The NFL Draft is one of the most magical sporting occasions. It has all the entertainment that you need. From emotional scenes as players see the fruits of their hard work come to life with the opportunity to play on Sunday, to the frankly ridiculous of actual animals helping announce picks, followed by the shocks and surprises when there’s a trade announced or a completely unexpected pick.

Not this year. Not this NFL Mock Draft. Well, not at the number one selection anyway.

Anyone who thinks that the Bengals aren’t taking Joe Burrow with the first overall pick is, simply, wrong.

The prodigal son is returning to his homeland, and if his obvious talent translates from Saturday night to Sunday, then the keys to the city will soon belong to him.

Those talents looked like 5,671 passing yards in 2019. They looked like 60 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Burrow obliterated college football teams up and down the country on his way to guiding LSU to its first national championship in almost a decade.

He has the arm, the football IQ, the composure and strength of character to drag new life into the Bengals.

Don’t they just need that?