There were two things Joe Burrow particularly lacked in 2020, and neither of them had anything to do with him.
By the time Burrow’s season ended prematurely with a severe left injury against the Washington Football Team back in November, it was evident he lacked a truly sufficient supporting cast or a truly solid offensive line.
According to Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, which comes after free agency, the Bengals remedy one of those issues by bringing in Florida tight end Kyle Pitts at No. 5 overall.
Pitts has the ability to help really expand the offense and help Burrow out as far as having a potentially very reliable target goes.
Here’s a look at what Kiper had to say about the potential selection.
“All along, I’ve thought it was going to be an offensive tackle here, but if Pitts and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are on the board, can the Bengals really pass them up? Joe Burrow has to get more playmakers around him. I think Pitts is just too good, and he would instantly upgrade this offense. He is one of the most talented tight ends I’ve ever graded, and there are people in the NFL who think he could be the second-best prospect in this class. With a deep offensive line class, Cincinnati could likely find a starting tackle or guard at the top of Round 2.”
It will be interesting to see what the Bengals choose to do with their first selection come April, but you can bet it will have something to with protection or weapons.