Cleveland Browns: 2017 NFL Draft Quarterback Preview
By Dylan Haines
Trubisky/Watson
Based on what we’re hearing, Trubisky is the highest ranked quarterback in this draft class. He could be picked as high as second overall, though he could fall anywhere between two-12. If the Browns really want Trubisky, they’d be well-served to package some of their picks they’ve accumulated to move up to secure him.
His lack of starting experience is a concern for sure. On the other hand, Trubisky is a local kid who wants to play there and lead Cleveland back to glory. That is great especially since he is also the best quarterback prospect in this draft.
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Head coach Hue Jackson would love working with him, as he has many similarities in his game to Cincinnati Bengals’ Andy Dalton, who Jackson helped groom into a pro-bowl caliber quarterback.
If the Browns are going to roll the dice on a quarterback, it may as well be the hometown kid. Trubisky will be more motivated to bring a winning culture back to a team that’s been vainly attempting to build one for decades.
If Trubisky is picked before the Browns get their chance at 12, Watson will be there, in all likelihood. Unfortunately, many Browns fans have cooled on the prospect of acquiring Watson to lead the franchise.
Why exactly? It is mainly because his arm strength/velocity didn’t test very well at the NFL Scouting Combine. CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler broke down the velocity details from the combine.
Ball velocity numbers (MPH) from the Combine:
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 10, 2017
60 - Mahomes
59 - Webb
56 - Kizer
55 - Trubisky, Evans
53 - Peterman, Kaaya
49 - Watson
Based on past collection of this data, the cutoff for quarterbacks using this metric is 55 MPH. Tyrod Taylor tested at 54 MPH when he was a draft prospect, but aside from him, no other quarterback under that 55 MPH threshold has had much, if any, success in the NFL.
Fans would be hopeful that Jackson could build a system around Watson to help him succeed, ala Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid with Alex Smith. Also, Watson brings a winning mentality with him, and he’s been lauded for his tremendous leadership skills. Both would be welcomed additions to a team in desperate need of direction and focus.
The ball velocity is concerning, to say the least. However, the hope for Watson is that his work ethic and intangibles shine through and that he’ll be able to will his way to success at the next level.