Cleveland Browns: How Could The Draft Play Out With No Drafted Quarterback?

There is a hole at the quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns, but what if they pass on adding another rookie in April?

This offseason, the Cleveland Browns will have multiple opportunities to add to the quarterback position. As we all know, quarterback has been a revolving door and the kryptonite to the organization.

Without a long-term answer, what if I were to say no additions are made?

Cleveland invested a third round pick in Cody Kessler in the 2016 NFL Draft and will have Robert Griffin III as an option too if he is given a roster bonus next month. Given the numerous needs and Browns head coach Hue Jackson’s success with quarterbacks, drafting a quarterback may not be their preference.

The Browns passed on drafting current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. Instead, they took the quantity over quality route thanks to their trade with Philly. With no clear consensus star quarterback in the upcoming draft, it would not be surprising to see Cleveland rely on the Griffin/Kessler duo in 2017.

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Going off of the hypothetical situation that the Browns keep their draft picks rather than trading some for a signal-caller, how could their draft play out? Remember, free agency will alter things.

The only clear change to how Cleveland’s draft could potentially play out is if a valuable player who can help immediately falls in the draft. Should that happen, the Browns must trade up to draft him.

As the rest of the draft plays out, Cleveland would be wise to use some combination of best player available (BPA) and drafting those that will fill key needs.

With their first pick, unless Cleveland get a king’s ransom, Texas A&M EDGE Myles Garrett is going to be the first name called. With their second first rounder, 12th overall, a cornerback or safety makes sense.

In the second round at both 33 and 52, a defensive back like Ohio State’s Gareon Conley and LSU guard/center Ethan Pocic would work. In the third round, 65th overall, Virginia Tech tight end Bucky Hodges could be an option.

With six picks from rounds four through six, including five between four and five, their overall draft class’ success/failure will be determined here. An offensive lineman, preferably a center like West Virginia’s Tyler Orlosky, one or more defensive back, and additional depth along the defensive line and running back (with Florida’s Bryan Cox Jr. and BYU’s Jamaal Williams respectively) should at least be considered.