The Cincinnati Bengals used the number one pick 17 years ago to draft a quarterback that changed the direction of the franchise
The Cincinnati Bengals have been here before. In 2002, they were awful and finished with a 2-14 record, earning themselves the first overall pick. They needed a quarterback and were in the perfect position to get the one they wanted. Sound familiar?
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Going into his senior season in 2002, Carson Palmer wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire. The previous year, he completed just 58% of his passes and has nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns. It was in his final year that he took off. He completed 63% of his passes for 33 touchdowns and 10 picks, leading USC to an 11-2 record and an Orange Bowl win. He won the Heisman trophy (also familiar) and a few months later was the number one overall pick of the Cincinnati Bengals.
After sitting for his rookie season, Palmer took the starting job and showed why he was the top pick. In his third year, his second as starter, he took the Bengals to the playoffs. It was their first trip to the postseason in nearly 15 years. Even though they didn’t advance, Palmer was a hero to the city of Cincinnati.