INDIANAPOLIS — The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. The team holds the top pick in the NFL draft this year and they have plenty of options to choose from.
And while the choice may be obvious to some, it’s not as defined as most think.
- They haven’t decided on Burrow just yet
- Chase Young could be another option
- They’re also evaluating Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
The Bengals have been linked to Joe Burrow since the day they clinched the top pick in the draft. Those fires have only begun to burn brighter after Joe Burrow quieted rumors that he doesn’t want to play for the Bengals.
“Yeah! I’m not going to not play,” Burrow said. “I’m a ball player. Whoever picks me, I’m gonna go show up.”
Burrow will not be throwing at the Combine, but will be meeting with the Bengals this week.
Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor said it’s not such an easy decision because the Bengals have to fully evaluate all of the top prospects.
“Haven’t even got a chance to meet him face-to-face, just like a lot of prospects at this point,” Taylor said. “But he certainly did himself a lot of good to put himself in this conversation and put himself in this position.”
Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin is encouraged by Burrow’s willingness to play for the Bengals, but the team is also looking at Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.
“Tua’s had a fantastic career,” Tobin said. “We got a chance to meet with him last night. What a wonderful, wonderful, young man.”
Taylor was very hush-hush on who’s the better QB, saying that’s what the Combine process is all about.
On the defensive side of the ball, Chase Young is also a viable option. Taylor and Tobin said they’re going to take a long hard look at the defensive end from Ohio State.
“Chase Young, like you mentioned, has had an outstanding career,” Taylor said. “He’s gonna be an instant impact player in this league. And that’s what you have to utilize this process for.”
Ultimately, the consensus is that Burrow is still going to be the guy. And Tobin says his Ohio ties are appealing, aside from all his on-field success at LSU.
“Sure that’s an attractive part — you know, that he’s from the Midwest,” Tobin said. “He likes the Midwest. He kind of understands the people and the midwestern attitude. Those are all great things.”
The Bengals said they will utilize every opportunity the Combine presents to evaluate players and ultimately make the correct selection for the team.
