Cleveland Browns: 2018 Mock Draft post-combine edition

Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Browns have selected just one quarterback (Kentucky’s Tim Couch) first overall. That stat is officially history with the Sam Darnold selection.

Unlike previous years, most preferences at quarterback are scattered.  While the Browns may feel the same way, they ultimately will have one graded higher than the rest and choose him, in this case, Darnold.

There is already one USC quarterback on the roster in Cody Kessler. Understandably there may be some not even wanting to consider signal-callers from that university because of that.

Then again, no USC quarterback has excelled more than recently retired Carson Palmer, who went first overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. By joining Cleveland, Darnold will also stop the run of former Trojan quarterbacks who have not lived up to expectations in the NFL.

Every quarterback has their flaws. To be a successful quarterback, Darnold will have to improve his hand placement for ball security and decrease the number of interceptions. Both issues are capable of being fixed. Other quarterbacks’ flaws are more concerning for my liking. In addition, Darnold cannot see the field in 2018 at all.

Although selecting Darnold (or any quarterback for that matter), Cleveland is selecting for need unfortunately rather than building the roster with play-makers (like Penn State running back Saquon Barkley) but it’s required.

The redshirted sophomore finished his collegiate career with a 64.9 completion percentage, 7,229 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. If Cleveland misses again at quarterback, at least they selected the position to kick off the draft.