The 2020 NFL draft will be remembered as the year the draft went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also be viewed the year three quarterbacks and Ohio State defensive end Chase Young were among the first six picks.
Joe Burrow of LSU went No. 1 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals; the rest is history. After injuring his ACL in November of his rookie season, Burrow returned for the beginning of the 2021 season and led the Bengals to the Super Bowl. He nearly led Cincinnati to another Super Bowl this season.
The then-Washington Redskins selected Ohio State defensive end Chase Young at No. 2 overall. Washington bypassed quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa to take Young, who many considered a generational pass rusher.
It’s been said if Burrow had fallen to No. 2 overall, he would’ve been the pick. Otherwise, Washington was set on Young.
Three years in, we can start to assess that draft. The biggest superstars from the 2020 draft are Burrow, wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Herbert. Meanwhile, after winning NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2020, Young has played 12 games and recorded 1.5 sacks. He tore his ACL in Nov. 2021, and the Commanders are hoping Young rebounds in 2022.
What if things had gone differently in that draft?
Diante Lee of The Athletic recently did a 2020 NFL redraft, and, surprise; Burrow didn’t go No. 1
Lee went with Herbert at No. 1, saying he was the more talented passer. That meant Burrow fell in Washington’s lap at No. 2.
Washington avoids the hamster wheel of Alex Smith, Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz and Sam Howell by adding a true franchise quarterback.
We know, in hindsight, that talent along the defensive front is neither Washington’s issue nor the cure-all for what else ails this roster. Making a change at QB would help Washington get the most out of Terry McLaurin (who still has averaged 80.3 catches and 1,120.7 yards receiving the past three years). Burrow is comfortable in chaos and has a proven track record of navigating average or worse offensive line play.
Young went No. 6 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers.
A franchise quarterback camouflages other flaws. Burrow in Washington would have the Commanders as a contender despite questionable coaching and personnel.
Oh well, it’s fun to daydream for a bit.
