Joe Burrow goes first overall to Bengals to kick off ‘virtual’ NFL draft

In the lead-up to the first NFL draft not held at one central venue, uncertainty reigned. But for all the hand-wringing over the potential for poor internet connections or even hacking to wreak havoc on the event, the first pick was a lock.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected LSU quarterback Joe Burrow first overall Thursday to kick off the three-day draft that sports fans have yearned for like an oasis in the Sahara.

Burrow won the Heisman Trophy and led LSU to the national title in 2019, setting an FBS single-season record with 60 touchdowns along the way. The Bengals, who finished 2-14 last year, are expected to move on from longtime quarterback Andy Dalton and launch a rebuild centered on Burrow.

Due to the pandemic, the league’s 32 teams all operated remotely, far from the “war room” style that personnel and fans alike are so used to. There were no notable glitches at the start of the draft, or on the hybrid ESPN/NFL Network telecast.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced first-round picks from his basement. Before the Bengals were placed “on the clock,” Goodell delivered an opening monologue of sorts in which he thanked front-line health care workers, encouraged people to help one another and held a moment of silence for COVID-19 victims.

“We will get through this together, and when we do, we will be here for you,” Goodell said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading infectious disease expert and a key White House adviser, also made a surprise appearance. In a taped message, he voiced his approval that something “important” like the NFL draft found a way to go on while observing social distancing guidelines.

Burrow, 23, saw his draft stock rose throughout the season and he particularly stood out in the College Football Playoff, when he threw seven touchdowns in the first half of the semifinal game against Oklahoma before going for 463 yards and five touchdowns in the championship game victory over Clemson.

Burrow grew up in Ohio — his girlfriend is from Cincinnati — and he began his college career at Ohio State before transferring to LSU.

Before Thursday, some said Burrow didn’t sound particularly thrilled with the idea of joining the Bengals. In January, he said in an interview that he wants to go No. 1, “but you also want to go to a great organization that is committed to winning. Committed to winning Super Bowls.” Former Bengals quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Carson Palmer has said Cincinnati never put much effort into winning a Super Bowl.

But Burrow called it nothing but a media narrative when speaking at February’s combine, and the Bengals had no intention of doing anything besides taking Burrow. ESPN reported that the Miami Dolphins tried to offer the Bengals a trade for the No. 1 pick more than once, but they didn’t budge.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor said before the draft that Burrow is “as advertised,” with a great football IQ.

The second and third rounds will be held Friday night and Rounds 4-7 will follow on Saturday afternoon, the draft’s usual schedule, but the unique circumstances are sure to have some impact on the proceedings.

Broncos president of football operations John Elway said he thinks there could be fewer trades than usual. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, meanwhile, is controlling Dallas’ draft all by himself from his home, without input from the scouting department.

There was a charitable component to the broadcast to benefit six charities, including the American Red Cross, for COVID-19 relief efforts.