The Cleveland Browns are in an enviable position, with three of the first 35 draft selections, and five of the first 85. For a team in need of talent across the board, they'll have many chances to plug holes. This could be a turning point for the franchise if they nail these picks. All evidence on hand suggests they will not be using their top selection on QB, let's break down why.
- They are flush with picks
With 2 first round selections and 3 over the next two, the Browns will have plenty of chances to pick a QB from a deep, but not especially top heavy class. The Browns also have the #26 selection in the first round, and it's eminently possible that Bridgewater or Manziel is still on the board at that point. Or they could package picks and move back up into the late teens if they see a player lingering in the green room who they want. For once, the Browns are rife with options and it would behoove them to maximize the amount of talent they acquire.
- Brian Hoyer's already on board
While no one would confuse Hoyer with a franchise QB, he's no more or less of one than anyone the Browns would take in the draft. Only Teddy Bridgewater is potentially pro ready, the rest would all have to sit and season behind Hoyer for at least one season. If the Browns can grab Bridgewater at #26, that would be a great value selection. Hoyer showed flashes of brilliance last season, winning back to back starts before suffering an untimely injury. He shredded one of the league's best defenses in Cincinnati, throwing for 269 yards and 2 TDs, leading the Browns to a 17-6 win.
- Mike Pettine's philosophy
It could be a smoke screen and Pettine has already fallen in love with one of the QB prospects, but his recent quotes suggest a coach with little patience for a project. While any coach's words this time of year should be taken with a grain of salt, it's hard not to believe the Browns' HC. Pettine says he does not like the idea of playing a rookie simply because he was a high pick and expressed a desire to build a strong team, minimizing the need for a franchise QB. "We want to be as good as possible without reaching for a quarterback," Pettine said. "You still want to throw resources at that position, but I don’t think you can go ahead and reach and take your 20th rated player at the fourth pick just because he is a quarterback and you have to have that guy. If you build the best possible team around him, that minimizes the importance of the quarterback."
- Pettine's scarred from the EJ Manuel experience
It's hard not to read the above quote as at least a slight dig at EJ Manuel and the way his former employer, the Buffalo Bills, handled their QB situation. The Bills were criticized in many corners for what was considered a reach, taking Manuel at #16 in last year's draft. Early returns on the move were uninspiring, as Manuel struggled with injuries and had bouts with ineffective play when healthy. Could be typical growing pains, or a sign the Bills made the wrong choice. Either way, it does not sound like an experience Pettine is overly eager to duplicate.
In Case You Missed It:
Why The Buccaneers Should Avoid Johnny Manziel
Why Bridgewater Should Be First QB Off The Board
Why Jadeveon Clowney Should Go #1
At the end of the day is there really a QB in this draft worthy of a #4 (franchise) pick? IMO, no. While OT's are as much of a crap shoot as QB's, the Browns would be better served going this direction vs. a 2-3 year project. Seems like every year the draft is a potential turning point for the Brownies.
Not even close to a #4 pick IMO.
@ Markaz, if the Browns play their cards right, this draft could really change their fortunes. They already have some talent in place, if they can hit on at least 3 or 4 of these 5 picks in the 1st 3 rounds, then they'll have something.
Taking an OT would be the worse move they could make. A team in need of as much talent as they do, that high a pick on a player that would play RT his entire contract and well into his second would be more wastefull then drafting a QB that high
They will have either Watkins or Mack on the board at #4, and if Bortles doesnt slip thats where they should go
Mack would be my choice, personally.
Mack and Mingo would be nasty. Mack you be the perfect strong side 3-4 OLB with his ability to play the run and pass
If the Browns want a Quarterback, I bet the Redskins would let them take Kirk Cousins off their hands for the right price. In a Draft as deep as this one, Washington might even part with their backup for as low as a third round pick.
Something tells me the 'Skins will hold onto Cousins. At least until they get a full season out of RG3.
That is about what they could get for him,but unless they want to trade gordon straight up for him,and the browns ain't dumb enough to offer that.
I really do not see cousins going anywhere unless somebody offers the skin a godfather type deal.
I don't see a Cousins deal getting done for anything less than a 2nd rounder.