CLEVELAND- The Browns may seek another quarterback in the never-ending quest to find their first franchise quarterback since returning to the NFL in 1999.
Names like Tim Couch, Jeff Garcia, Trent Dilfer, Brady Quinn, Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden immediately come to mind as quarterbacks that had little to moderate success.
Brian Hoyer is one of a select few quarterbacks to have any measurable success. Derek Anderson led the Browns to a 10-6 record in 2007 but the team just missed the playoffs. the Browns last trip to the playoffs when the Browns lost to the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game after the 2002 season. The loss followed a 9-7 record.
With that in mind, here is a look at the Browns realistic 2015 draft options for quarterback.
Brett Hundley– The Browns don’t have much of a chance to land Marcus Mariotta. They will likely pass on Jameis Winston given his the field incidents.
Hundley has the physical tributes required. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall which means he can see over most offensive linemen. He is also 227 pounds and has a well-built frame.
Scouts question his ability to make throws under duress and are looking for Hundley to use a more extensive playbook as opposed to the simple offense that UCLA runs.
Bryce Petty- Baylor runs a lot of shotgun so Petty needs to expand on his horizon to prepare to be a NFL starter. He is mobile and a very efficient passer which is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Browns.
2014 stats: 3,855 yards, 29 touchdowns, 63.1 completion percentage 7 interceptions
Long shot- Browns trade up for Winston-
Jameis Winston- Seminoles quarterback Winston is one of the most exciting quarterbacks anyone will see in the draft. Although he comes with off the field baggage including an allegation of sexual assault, he has the physical tools to be a legend should he keep his nose clean. Winston was cleared of any wrongdoing and there was no evidence that the sexual assault ever took place.
The Browns will have to give up a lot of compensation to be in a position for Winston. They would likely have to trade two or three draft picks as well as a player to Tampa Bay or Tennessee.
His 6-4, 232 pound frame is an attention grabber for scouts. Hits toughness in the pocket combined with outstanding vision will make any offense a force to be reckoned with. He is adept to recognizing pressure and evading tackles.
2014 stats: 3,907 yards, 25 touchdowns, 18 interceptions and a 145.5 q.b. rating
2016 NFL Draft- Cardale Jones
The Browns have the option of waiting until 2016 for the possibility of Cardale Jones.
Cardale Jones- The physical attributes of Jones are that of a quarterback that belongs in the NFL. How often does a NFL team to draft a 6 foot 5 inch quarterback with a cannon arm.
Many college football fans, NFL fans, and reporters may stress looking at Jones with caution due to the fact he only played three games so far.
For Jones, winning the NCAA National Championship against Oregon is a statement for his NFL resume. Even though he started as a third string quarterback, he looks to be a clear-cut starting college quarterback. He is a NFL quarterback in the making.
Jones will return to Ohio State for the 2015 season.
Will Johnny Manziel be With the Browns in 2015?
Johnny Manziel might not be with the Browns in 2015. He missed a treatment this past weekend for his pulled hamstring and was seen at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. Manziel denied the reports.
There are concerns about Manziel’s off the field behavior and questions concerning his commitment to the Browns. He was also on Twitter favoriting tweets. Manziel called it an accident.
Coach Mike Pettine comes across as a coach willing to send a message to players who do not commit to the team. The Browns suspended Josh Gordon and Justin Gilbert for the final game against the Baltimore Ravens.
This may not bode well for Manziel. Pettine may not be willing to give him any more chances. If Manziel can make a convincing case for another chance, Pettine may be willing to give him another one. However, Manziel will need to prove that he is committed to the Browns and being a true professional.
Manziel was drafted by Browns with the 22nd overall pick which has not been a bright spot for Cleveland rookie quarterbacks. Brandon Weeden and Brady Quinn were drafted at that spot.