In an ideal world, the Cincinnati Bengals will find a nice marriage of value and need at each spot in the 2020 NFL draft.
Joe Burrow is a good example. He’s arguably the best player available at No. 1 and happens to play a major position of need.
But what if every pick strictly adhered to a best-player available requirement? Let’s tackle such an exercise, grabbing only the top players available as a live draft unfolds via The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator and predictive board.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Is Joe Burrow the best player in the draft outright? Weighing positional importance, yes.
While some might pound the table for Chase Young as the best player, the difference between an elite edge rusher and a bonafide stud quarterback on Super Bowl chances isn’t even a conversation.
Burrow is the best passer to enter the draft since Andrew Luck and the hometown kid who revives fan engagement for a struggling franchise is one of the best possible bonuses.