2015 NFL Draft: 5 Questions on the Cleveland Browns

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs off the field following the first half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Question: Seven times in franchise history the Browns have selected a quarterback in the first round and each time they have missed. (Although the jury is still out on Johnny Manziel). Should general manager Ray Farmer try to break that streak this year?

Janik: No. I believe in Johnny Manziel to bounce back and become the Browns’ starting quarterback for years to come. A little earlier this year, I thought it would be great to have both Manziel and Marcus Mariota, and have a chance to end up with “two Russell Wilsons.” However, there is a lot of risk involved and the Browns are much better off making picks that are less risky.

Jesse: No. Ray Farmer should stay far away from this streak. It’s got to be a sign, right? The Browns would likely have to trade up into the top 10 if they wanted to get the quarterback they’ve been linked to the most, Marcus Mariota. This would mean packaging both first round picks. Instead, the Browns should opt for building the team up by adding dynamic starters with both picks. We still don’t know what the Browns have in Johnny Manziel. Give the kid a full off-season to prepare and grow within the system and, if he’s not the answer, Josh McCown can hold down the fort for one season.

Paul: It honestly depends on the price at this point. Usually where there is smoke, there is fire. I think the same holds true in this incidence. Farmer and the Browns have been linked to Marcus Mariota since last year’s draft, and it was rumored that Farmer was disappointed when Mariota chose to go back to school for another year.

The price will be expensive to move up to the No. 2 overall pick in this draft. It’s rumored that the Titans are asking for two No. 1s, and a No. 2. The Browns have that kind of ammunition, but there are too many holes on the roster that they could fill with quality players in this draft early.

If Mariota were to slide to the Browns or even close to the Browns where they could get him with the 12th overall and still keep the 19th, then that would be ideal.

Tom: For Jameis Winston? No. For Marcus Mariota? Maybe.

If Farmer has a set price in mind for what he’s willing to pay to move up for Mariota and sticks to the plan, then making a trade could be the way to go. The concern, as always, is that in the heat of the moment the Browns will through out all the hard work and make an emotional decision.

There are a lot of holes to fill on this roster, so Farmer has to make sure he maximizes his assets this time around.

Next: With the First Pick