LSU quarterback Joe Burrow warms up before a NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game against Clemson Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first part of a series of NFL Draft previews written by OBSERVER Sports Editor Braden Carmen.

With the rest of the sports world completely shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the attention turns to the NFL Draft. Just over two weeks away, I will be providing a look at each position group in the draft with the top players at each position. Today, we begin with arguably the most important and certainly most glorified position in professional sports, quarterback.

1: Joe Burrow, LSU

After one of the most impressive seasons in college football history this past year, there should be no debate as to the first name called on draft night. The Cincinnati Bengals will select Joe Burrow at No. 1. Burrow was an absolute star this past season, leading the LSU Tigers to a National Championship and earning himself the Heisman Trophy award.

Burrow’s accuracy on short, medium and deep passes was elite, while his arm strength and size at the position (6-foot-4, 221 pounds) both measure up to NFL standards. Through one of the most challenging schedules in the country, Burrow never once looked rattled. He always found a way out of trouble and made magic happen in ways that remind me of the reigning Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes.

The only concern with Burrow is that he was a late bloomer, with only one extremely productive season to boast. Though, with 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns passes, only six interceptions, and a completion percentage of 76.3 percent this past season alone, it would take a substantial regression to make Burrow anything less than elite. Burrow is going to be a star at the next level.

2: Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

There is no bigger risk/reward in this draft than Tua Tagovailoa. Coming off the same injury that ended the career of Bo Jackson, Tua’s health is obviously a major concern. Though he has posted a pro day video where he looked good, proving he’s healthy during a time where players can’t meet with teams definitely makes picking him a very dangerous call.

But with great risk comes great reward. Tua might not be fully healthy, he’s only 6-foot even, and he doesn’t have the strongest arm in the draft. But he’s a star. His athleticism is outstanding, as he has the skills with his arm and his legs to beat opponents at any level. He can hit a deep ball with incredible accuracy, while also making tight windows seem like open hallways with his accuracy. Tua’s accuracy is every bit as impressive as Joe Burrow’s and places him in the top tier of starting quarterbacks in the NFL in terms of precision. He also has plenty of big-game experience, as his biggest moment of his collegiate career was a game-winning pass in overtime to win the 2018 National Championship.

Tagovailoa managed 33 touchdown passes, to only three interceptions in nine games last season. He threw for 2,840 yards and a 71.4 completion percentage. When healthy, he was one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen at the college level. Despite all the concerns, when you have a chance to take a guy like that, you do it. He can change the direction of a franchise.

3: Justin Herbert, Oregon

While Tua Tagovailoa is a huge risk, I feel the complete opposite about Oregon product Justin Herbert. He is about as safe as you get in my eyes. Herbert was a four-year starter at a big-time program in the PAC-12. He has pro size at 6-foot-6, 236 pounds. He has the strongest arm in the draft and has made every throw an NFL starter needs to make. And for good measure, he has the athleticism to get out of the pocket or scramble whenever needed.

Many draft critics have been trying to pick apart Herbert’s game, but I don’t agree. He doesn’t have the accuracy of Burrow or Tua, but he makes up for it with his arm strength. He has four years of experience as a starter and is coming off a Rose Bowl victory. His 66.8 percent completion rate is certainly manageable, while 32 touchdowns compared to six interceptions is a great ratio. All four years, his QB rating was over 140 and he had single-digit interceptions every year.

Best of all, Herbert won the Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.” The award is given to the player in the country who best exemplifies academic success, football performance and community leadership. He is the last guy a team would have to worry about as the face of a franchise.

4: Jacob Eason, Washington

Jacob Eason came into the year with all the potential to become a top 10 pick. While the end of his season didn’t show it, Eason absolutely has the tools of an NFL starter. He reminds me a lot of Herbert — he has the size (6-foot-6, 231 pounds) and impressive arm strength. His numbers on the field are impressive, but could have been better had he returned to school for one more year, like Herbert did last year.

Eason may not be the best prospect coming from the PAC-12 this year, but he’s not far behind. He could go late in the first round and it wouldn’t bother me, but he would be a great pick in the second round. He profiles as a middle-tier starter in the league. You just need to make sure you protect him, as with most quarterbacks.

5: Jordan Love, Utah State

Jordan Love is the most dangerous quarterback in this draft class. He has the physical gifts that front offices drool over, but he also makes decisions at times that make you wonder if he can actually play. He has arm talent and athleticism for days, but he doesn’t do any of the “little things” well. Similar to Josh Allen, at a smaller D-I school, Love struggled with accuracy and always tries to do too much. He stares down receivers far too often, which led to 17 interceptions this past season, while throwing 20 touchdowns. He threw for 3,402 yards and had a completion percentage of 61.9.

Love scares me more than any quarterback in this draft. The fact that some people are arguing he could go ahead of Justin Herbert is completely wrong in my eyes. Teams just don’t want to be the one to pass on a Patrick Mahomes-like talent, so they are making the leap to believe Love is “that guy.” I’ll admit I’m wrong if in five years, he’s taken the league by storm, but I don’t believe it will happen. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush, and Herbert is a whole lot safer than Love. The drop-off is greater than you’d think.

Honorable Mention: Jake Fromm, Georgia; Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma; Anthony Gordon, Washington State.