Amid the coronavirus crisis, NFL fans and sports fans at large were able to escape lockdown limitations as the NFL Draft 2020 took on a virtual feel this week.
Franchises up and down the league were able to begin to shape their respective rosters, and in preparation for the new season you can back your team to go all the way and lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy next year.
The Kansas City Chiefs sit top of the mountain after seeing off the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV in February in a game that truly delivered after being given the big build up, and while they’ve got all the tools they need to reset and go again next season having re-signed some key pieces, the Draft has been an opportunity for others to get better.
All eyes were on the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday as although it was clear that they were set to upgrade the quarterback spot, Joe Burrow was confirmed as the No.1 Draft pick for 2020 after leading LSU to success and emerging as one of the top talents in college football.
Chase Young, Jeff Okudah and Andrew Thomas followed, joining the Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions and New York Giants respectively, and then the focus switched back to the star quarterback names in the draft class as the Miami Dolphins went on the clock.
Tua Tagovailoa’s talent is not in question, his health has been though. From previous injuries to a more recent hip problem which raised doubts ahead of the Draft, it was unclear if it would cost him a high pick.
The Dolphins clearly believed in him though and weren’t put off selecting him with the fifth overall pick, with ESPN noting they were ‘comfortable’ with the decision, while stand-out names such as Justin Herbert, Isaiah Simmons, Jedrick Wills and Tristan Wirfs soon followed.
This is also a stacked draft class for wide receivers, with Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb going 15th and 17th overall, while eyebrows were raised over Cesar Ruiz going to the New Orleans Saints with the 24th pick and especially when the Green Bay Packers went for another quarterback in Jordan Love despite this still being Aaron Rodgers’ team.
It all contributes to setting up another fascinating season in the NFL, although it remains to be seen when things will literally kick off as the US continues to battle the coronavirus outbreak.
While it’s hoped that the original schedule is able to continue undisrupted, the safety and health of all concerned is of paramount importance. Just for a few nights this week though, sports-starved fans were able to get that buzz back as the Draft rolls on into Saturday…
COMMENTS