2017 NFL Draft: 5 Quarterbacks The Browns Must Consider After Round 1

Davis Webb, Cal, Projected Round: 2-4

Patrick Mahomes actually beat out Davis Webb for the starter’s job at Texas Tech, so Webb transferred to Cal where he established himself as an NFL prospect.

Now, in an effort to show you how the media can inflate a quarterback’s stock, take a look at this headline from Emily Kaplan’s story for the MMQB. “Davis Webb: Another QB Enters The Round 1 Conversation”.

Kaplan probably didn’t write this headline, but do read the story because it offers a good look at Webb’s background.

Additionally, don’t forget what Senior Bowl Director Phil Savage said of Webb, via the Senior Bowl website. The former Browns GM believes Webb has the stuff to be an NFL starter.

"In his only season at Cal as a graduate transfer, Davis connected on 382-of-620 passes (61.6%) for 4295 yards, 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has an intriguing combination of height and arm strength to go along with his maturity and football intellect. Although his practices were uneven, this former Texas Tech QB put it all together on game day with a sterling performance to earn the Reese’s Cup MVP trophy in Mobile."

Kaplan explained why Cal was such a great fit for Webb, who followed last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Jared Goff.

"He followed Jared Goff in Cal’s Bear Raid offense, meaning the same steep learning curve (learning to command a huddle, taking snaps from under center) that kept the Rams rookie off the field until late November will likely apply to Webb, too. But back in January, Savage was sensing momentum, and now it’s tangible. Six weeks before the draft, Webb is a legitimate second-round candidate and it’s feasible that, come the last weekend in April, he will be billed as someone’s quarterback of the future."

Webb has the type of body the AFC North demands, and he also passes NFL scribe’s Benjamin Allbright’s velocity test. Albright recently tweeted that players who can’t hit at least 55 miles per hour with throws are not likely to become NFL starters. Hitting 55 or over doesn’t guarantee success, but his point is that clocking in under 55 almost certainly guarantees failure.

Webb’s fastball hit 59 mph, trailing the speed of only his old rival, Mahomes.

Hue Jackson got an up front and personal look at Webb during the Senior Bowl, and the Cal product just may be on the board when the Browns use their second, second-round selection.

Unless, of course, you believe the media hype.