3 Former Number One Picks Who Could Be Set for Big Seasons
Being the number one pick in the NFL Draft brings about a lot of pressure. The expectation is that they will make an immediate impact in the league, so they are not always afforded the same luxury as their fellow college players when it comes to time to adapt.
Here is a look at three former first overall picks and why they could be set for a big year in the 2022/23 campaign.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
In what was just his second season in the NFL, quarterback Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl. It is the franchise’s first appearance in the game since 1988. Although they were beaten by the Los Angeles Rams, it was a big achievement for Burrow and his teammates.
The first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft from the LSU Tigers has shown that Cincinnati picked the right player. He is someone who looks set to help his team have a lot of success in the future, with the Vince Lombardi Trophy being the ultimate objective.
It was a record-breaking season in 2021 for Burrow and the Bengals. He broke their franchise record for the most passing yards in a game (525), most passing yards in the season (4,611) and most passing touchdowns in a season (34).
as of August 16, the Bengals are +1800 in the sports betting to go one place better than last season. If Burrow continues to improve, which is likely, they are sure to be in the mix again in the AFC.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Former Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray has made an exceptional start to his career in the league. In the three years he has been in the league, he has scored 70 touchdowns and he has thrown for 11,480 passing yards.
Murray has missed just two regular season games between 2019 and 2021. He led the Arizona Cardinals to the play-offs in 2021, in what was their first post-season appearance since 2015. Their run was ended by the eventual winners Los Angeles Rams 34-11.
This could be the season where Murray takes the NFC team all the way to the Super Bowl. He has enough experience in the league now and with DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green and Zach Ertz to throw to, all the ingredients are there for success in Arizona.
Baker Mayfield (Carolina Panthers)
After four years with the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield has a new home in the NFL. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers, a franchise who were desperate for a reliable QB. This is a move which has probably come at the right time in the former first-round pick’s career.
Mayfield did OK in Cleveland in a team which has been rebuilding since he arrived. He ended the franchise’s 19-game losing streak on his debut and he broke the record for the most passing touchdowns as a rookie (27).
The Oklahoma graduate had his best season with the Browns in 2020. He ended the year with a winning record of 11-5, helping his side reach the play-offs. They won their first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37, but their run came to an end when Kansas City Chiefs defeated them 22-17.
Mayfield will feel he has something to prove in 2022. He is now at a franchise who believes in him, and he has the talent to continue being a starter in this league.
Jadeveon Clowney (Cleveland Browns)
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been consistently one of the best players at his position since joining the NFL in 2014 from South Carolina. Last year he joined the Cleveland Browns, who became his fourth franchise in the league.
Clowney was back to his best in 2021, as he recorded 37 tackles, nine sacks and two forced fumbles in his 14 games. The Browns are now ranked as one of the best defensive teams in the NFL and they look set to cause problems for many opposing QBs in the upcoming campaign.
The three-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year deal with Cleveland in the off-season. Now he is over his injury problems, we are likely to see why he is so destructive. He will want to do enough to earn a longer contract with the franchise at the end of the 2022/23 season.
All four players will be hoping to feature in the Super Bowl in early 2023. It takes place at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona on February 12.
