Joe Burrow

Burrow was the favorite for rookie of the year last season before tearing the ACL and MCL in his left knee Week 11. He set team rookie records for completion percentage (65.3) and passing yards per game (268.8), grabbing the league's attention by throwing for at least 300 yards in five of his first seven games. But it was largely built on volume (40.4 attempts per game led the league through 11 weeks), while downfield passing was a struggle. Of his 46 attempts of 20-plus yards, Burrow completed just nine, for a 19.2 completion percentage that ranked 34th of 35 QBs. His on-target percentage on deep throws ranked 30th (39.1), and his 6.4 YPA was 34th. Part of the problem was limited arm strength, but Burrow also had to rush throws as he was pressured on 28.3 percent of his downfield dropbacks. He was sacked 32 times, a 51-sack full-season pace. To mitigate the pass rush, the Bengals took advantage of his mobility by regularly rolling him out, and often relied on a quick passing game with intermediate routes. On attempts of 8-15 yards, his on-target percentage ranked 11th (70.0) and his completion percentage 10th (62.0). The Bengals upgraded their receiving group by reuniting Burrow with college teammate Ja'Marr Chase, the fifth overall pick in the draft. Chase will team with Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, giving Burrow three quality wideouts. And Joe Mixon, who was limited to six games last year, is healthy and provides a solid rushing attack. Burrow has a lot of room for growth, and with improved downfield passing could easily outperform his ADP. Read Past Outlooks