A fresh CBS Sports ranking has NFL fans talking after Joe Burrow was named the best first-round draft pick since 2020. 

The CBS Sports list placed Burrow at No. 1 ahead of Justin Jefferson, Drake Maye and Justin Herbert. However, the ranking quickly became a topic of debate, with many NFL fans questioning whether the Bengals quarterback was the right choice for the top spot.

According to Mike Renner of CBS Sports, the rankings featured all 191 first-round picks from the 2020 to 2025 NFL Drafts. The list was not based only on a player’s performance but also considered where they were selected and the options teams had at that point in the draft.

The Bengals selected Burrow with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he soon became a key player for the team. He helped Cincinnati reach Super Bowl LVI and has remained their starting quarterback. 

However, injuries have also been a part of Burrow’s career as he missed most of his rookie season after suffering ACL and MCL injuries in 2020, while a wrist injury ended his 2023 season early.

Burrow's placement quickly sparked disagreement among fans, many of whom argued that Justin Jefferson or Justin Herbert had stronger cases for the top spot.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who was selected 22nd overall, finished third, while Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick, was ranked sixth. 

Much of the criticism centered on whether positional value had been given too much weight in the rankings.

Joe Burrow’s ranking creates debate among fans

After SleeperNFL shared CBS Sports’ rankings on X, fans questioned if the Bengals quarterback should have been ranked above other first-round picks from recent drafts. 

“Qb glaze. The receivers should be at the top tbh,” one fan wrote.

The comment suggested that wide receivers like Justin Jefferson deserved the top spot over Burrow. 

“Ahh yes, Caleb Williams, fresh off a division title and Wild Card playoff win, is as disappointing as Kenny Pickett. Every objective football fan would agree that is a fair ranking,” another fan wrote. 

The fan criticized other parts of the rankings, questioning CBS Sports' overall evaluation. 

“Idk man I think jsn might be fighting for that top spot, he has been incredible since entering the NFL,” one user commented.

The reaction argued that Jaxon Smith-Njigba also deserved to be part of the conversation for the top ranking. 

“That shit say Jordan Love?” another fan wrote.

The comment expressed surprise at Jordan Love's placement in the rankings. 

“Joe Burrow will live off reputation and aura until the day he retires,” one fan commented. 

Whether Burrow deserved the top spot or not, CBS Sports' rankings accomplished one thing: reigniting debate over how first-round draft picks should be evaluated.

Do you agree with CBS Sports' rankings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Rudra Dubey