3 times the Cleveland Browns could’ve avoided the current quarterback mess

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reacts as members of the media ask questions about the 22 active civil suits against him during his introductory press conference at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility on Friday.Watsonpress 3
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reacts as members of the media ask questions about the 22 active civil suits against him during his introductory press conference at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility on Friday.Watsonpress 3 /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Draft Patrick Mahomes in 2017

The Cleveland Browns had the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and the powers that be thought drafting Myles Garrett was the way to go. It was, in its own way. Garrett is certainly making a case for a Hall of Fame spot one day, he’s just not there yet. That said, Hall of Fame defensive end or a Hall of Fame quarterback?

Who are you taking? Garrett, if he’s lucky, will have 10 years of Pro Bowl seasons. Mahomes will still be in his prime around the time that Garrett is declining. That’s no slap on Garrett just the nature of the game.

If you have a clue and were given the chance to re-draft the 2017 NFL Draft, you’re taking Mahomes first overall. Sure, the Browns had as much talent on that team as William Hung did singing “She Bangs” but giving yourself a franchise quarterback is never the wrong choice.

Does Mahomes become Mahomes in Cleveland? Who knows, but at the very least, if he becomes half of what he is currently, the Browns don’t find themselves in this current predicament of getting rid of one quarterback, while the other’s future is hanging in the balance of a woman who spent her career dealing with patent claims.