Joe Burrow breaks Texas high school trend as top pick in first-ever virtual NFL draft
Coronavirus may have shut down what was supposed to be the most ostentatious NFL draft yet, but in the end — like every other year — players were called and there were celebrations for those closest to them.
The draft was expected to be even more grandiose this year with Las Vegas serving as host and a stage on the water before the Bellagio Hotel fountains. Instead, due to the ongoing health concerns about the virus, social distancing measures were implemented and all draft picks were selected virtually while players were home in their living rooms with family.
Once the draft did get going there was not that much that was unusual. As expected, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 1 pick. It marked the first time since 2016 that the top pick wasn’t a Texas high school product with Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray going first the last three years, respectively.
Things returned to normal for Texas products with Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, who went to South Grand Prairie High School, going third to the Detroit Lions after his Buckeye teammate, defensive end Chase Young, was selected second by the Washington Redskins.
The remainder of the first round played out after the close of this edition, but complete draft coverage can be found at www.star-telegram.com.
The NFL draft is normally conducted in a resplendent way that was part circus, part Grammy awards in atmosphere and pageantry. Players typically hear their name called and then walk across a large stage to be greeted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. This year, Goodell announced the picks from his basement in New York.
Each team’s decision maker, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, made the selections from their respective homes. And the players, who would normally walk the red carpet with their families, were at home in front of cameras with no more than six people in the room in adherence with social distancing orders.
The NFL held the draft in these unprecedented times with no guarantee that the season will be able to kick off on time in September, and if so, maybe without fans.
Goodell acknowledged it was an unknown environment and they were doing things differently, but he said he thought it was important to conduct the draft in a way that was thoughtful and respectful for everyone.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 8:42 PM.
