Browns Not Looking at QB with 4th Pick

Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins participates in a pass catching drill during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

According to Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft Expert Matt Miller the Cleveland Browns are not targeting a Quarterback at pick #4 in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft. Miller said “From what I am hearing around the league is the Browns’ would much like to wait until pick #26 to find their Quarterback.” The #26 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft was acquired from the trade that sent Running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts. Miller further stated “The word on the street is the Browns’ like Quarterbacks Derek Carr and Zach Mettenberger, and hope to find one of those two Quarterbacks in the late first or early second round.”

Miller said “Instead of paying a high first round pick for a guy like Quarterbacks Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles, look for Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins or Left tackle Greg Robinson to be on their (Browns’) radar early in round one.” Miller believes the sudden change is due to the sheer talent in key positions, and a possible ‘run on quarterbacks’ at the top of the upcoming draft simply won’t happen.

Miller’s analysis is very close to the opinion I have had all along, and if the sources around the league are true and not just another ‘smokescreen’ look for the Browns’ to build around Quarterback Brian Hoyer. Whoever is the best available offensive player at #4 will be the safe pick for the Browns’, and in critical draft for the Browns’ front office a safe pick is a good idea. I have been of the opinion that the Browns’ are smitten with Watkins and the thought of pairing him with Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Josh Gordon is enough for the Browns’ to jump at the opportunity.