Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick, quarterback Joe Burrow, speaks in a virtual press conference after the Bengals selected him at the overall No. 1 spot in the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Cincinnati Bengals 2020 Nfl Draft
Syndication: Cincinnati
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets got their big man up front to help protect Sam Darnold and clear the way for Le’Veon Bell. Massive offensive tackle Mekhi Becton from Louisville was taken by New York with the No. 11 pick in the NFL draft, filling what was one of the Jets’ biggest needs. General manager Joe Douglas repeatedly said during the last few months that strengthening the offensive line was a priority for a team that had lots of trouble up front last season. The addition of the 6-foot-7, 365-pound Becton helps solidify things.
The New York Giants added a security blanket for their two most recent first-round picks by taking offensive tackle Andrew Thomas of Georgia with the fourth pick in the NFL draft. Thomas started 41 games for the Bulldogs in three seasons, the last 26 at left tackle. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder was considered the most complete tackle in the draft, but some experts felt others had a bigger upside. His selection gives general manager Dave Gettleman a hulk who can open holes for running back Saquon Barkley and keep quarterback Daniel Jones on his feet.
As the 85th NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday, there wasn’t much surprise with the No. 1 overall pick as the Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow won the Heisman Trophy and a national title at LSU. His next challenge is to help turn around a franchise that has only had seven winning seasons in the last 29 years and hasn’t won a playoff game since the 1990 season.
