Cleveland Browns: Don’t Be Surprised If No QB Is Picked At 2
By Ryan Rosko
Just because the Cleveland Browns should add a quarterback does not mean such a selection should be made second overall.
The history of the Cleveland Browns quarterback position since 1999 says it all. 24 starting quarterbacks have taken snaps under center, but one constant remains. The regular issue that has been seen consistently is that the quarterbacks’ supporting cast has not been up to par.
Both North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz and California quarterback Jared Goff could be selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams, as well as the Cleveland Browns. Although one of them will be available for the Browns, that does not mean they should be Cleveland’s selection.
Wentz and Goff are both going to be good quarterbacks, but neither is viewed as a sure thing when it comes to being labeled as a “franchise quarterback.” Both players could play themselves into that role, but remember, like all positions, quarterbacks can be found in any round.
The signing of Robert Griffin III seems to be overlooked. If the Cleveland Browns simply wanted a bridge quarterback, as they prepare a rookie quarterback to play, then Griffin would not be needed. That is because Josh McCown (specifically) and Austin Davis are already on the roster.
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Whoever is starting under center for the Cleveland Browns needs help. Quite frankly, it is difficult for veteran QBs like Griffin or McCown, or rookie QBs such as Wentz or Goff to succeed in Cleveland if they only have a limited amount of reliable options and only 40-60 % of an offensive line.
As the day of the draft gets closer and closer, Cleveland’s options are likely down to only a few players, unless a trade happens. The favorites to be selected by the Cleveland Browns are Wentz, Goff, Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil, and Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Even though Ramsey is one of the best prospects in the draft, the Browns may actually be looking elsewhere, if their reported lack of interaction is true. Then again, many players get drafted by teams who had zero to limited interaction each year, so there is no reason to disregard Ramsey possibly going to Cleveland.
If the Cleveland Browns preference at quarterback is gone at two, do they make a trade? Does it even matter if their preference is there or not? With 10 picks already, Cleveland was expected to have a very busy draft.
If a trade occurs (which seems like a stronger option by the day), then the Browns will take their busy approach to the draft to a new level. Depending on where Cleveland’s trade partner is picking, everything could be thrown out the window.
Due to the long-term approach to rebuilding the team, selecting a quarterback (Wentz or Goff) in the first round does not help the players around him. The Cleveland Browns could make it work if they do go quarterback at two, but quarterbacks need talent around them.
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It is less than two weeks away from the draft, yet no clear answer can be expressed as to what Cleveland will do. Each possibility makes sense, but at the end of the day, having your heart set on a quarterback may not be the best idea with trade possibilities, Ramsey and Tunsil (among others) being very intriguing.