Joe Burrow admits NFL Draft prep has been ‘super crazy’ with coronavirus cancelling plans
TOP gridiron prospect Joe Burrow has spent weeks preparing for his big moment on endless video calls and looking for "whatever patch of grass I can find around town".
The 23-year-old quarterback is expected to be selected first tonight by Cincinnati Bengals in the opening round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Burrow, fellow draft hopefuls and team scouts to cancel meetings and trials across America and work from home instead.
This year’s NFL Draft was set to take place in front of the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas before coronavirus gripped the US, which has seen more than 45,000 deaths so far.
Instead it will take place in a ‘fully virtual’ format for the first time ever, with team execs and coaches setting up makeshift offices at home to pick their prospects.
Burrow told USA Today: "It’s been super crazy, super weird. In some ways it's been less distracting after this quarantine hit.
"I've really been able to focus on my body - weight training and speed training and throwing.
“I haven't missed any days flying across the country meeting with a franchise, so it's been interesting, but in some ways very good for me."
NFL Draft 2020 explained: ‘Fully virtual’ with no Las Vegas backdrop, millions of viewers and lives changed forever
Burrow threw a record 60 touchdown passes last season in guiding LSU Tigers to college football national championship glory.
He won the prestigious Heisman Trophy – given to the best player in the college game – and is being tipped for stardom in the NFL.
But the 23-year-old admits he may need to be patient early in his career and find his feet in the league before trying to set it alight.
He said: "I think the goal should always be to be a starting quarterback.
“But there's also a big advantage if you're able to sit behind a guy who's done it for so long that you can learn how to be an NFL quarterback – learn how to prepare, learn how to watch tape like a pro.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS
"Whatever franchise picks me, I'm going to do what they ask. If they need me to hold a clipboard for the first two years, I'll do it. If they need me to come in and start right away, I'll be the best player I can be."
Burrow added: “Going into an NFL locker room, I think the best approach is finding a veteran that's been there for eight or 10 years, stick with him and learn how he has been able to have a successful career and continue to be a leader for all those years.
"And then just continue my hard work and preparation and make sure everyone knows that I've put in the work to be able to do my job successfully."
