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2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

By Raju Byfield

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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2020 NFL Mock Draft
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers rolls out of the pocket during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The LSU Tigers topped the Clemson Tigers, 42-25. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

1st Overall: Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow (QB – LSU)

Team Needs
Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Edge, Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, Offensive Line

Picks: 1 (1st), 33 (2nd), 65 (3rd), 107 (4th), 148 (5th), 180 (6th), 216 (7th)

This pick looks like a virtual lock as the odds stood at -10000 before being taken off the board at Bovada. Burrow is a bit of a one year wonder, but that one year was a historic one. Tua’s injury concerns make Burrow a no brainer for a Bengals team that has been on the hunt for a franchise quarterback since the departure of Carson Palmer. NFL.com’s Cynthia Freulund correctly pointed out that the Bengals would be better served by adding a top tier free agent quarterback, and then drafting Chase Young, but there is a slim chance of that happening. There has been some smoke that the Bengals prefer Justin Herbert, but Burrow remains the overwhelming favorite to be selected first overall. Cincinnati should look to address wide receiver and the edge on day two.

Team Impact

Andy Dalton was never the answer under center, and the the Cincinnati Bengals are finally ready to move on from their almost decade long blunder of being satisfied by Dalton. Joe Burrow promises to be an upgrade, and while he does not have the upside of Tua Tagovailoa or Jordan Love, he is starter ready, and has already proved that he can be successful in an NFL style offense. The Bengals will need to ensure that they surround him with quality talent and adjust their offensive scheme to his strengths. Burrow looked very different in 2018 before the arrival of Joe Brady, and Ja’Marr Chase taking a Biletnikoff winner level sophomore leap.

Fantasy Impact

Joe Burrow is a massive upgrade on Andy Dalton, and his addition will increase the fantasy values of all of the Bengals skill players. With that being said, Joe Mixon is the only player currently on the roster guaranteed to have a role in 2020. He is the only player who has seen his value spike prior to the NFL Draft. Burrow will be no more than a QB2 option as a rookie, but due to his scrambling ability he will have matchup based QB1 upside. He should be considered in the QB1 conversation in single QB and superflex leagues. He will be a prime wait on a QB streaming option in redraft leagues. Burrow should be considered as soon as the end of the first round in single QB dynasty rookie drafts, and in the top three in superflex.

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