Nov 27, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) scrambles away from Texas Longhorns linebacker Jordan Hicks (3) during the game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
I believe it is a given that the quarterback situation for the Cleveland Browns is still unsettled, and probably will remain so, for the forseeable future. It is likely that the Josh McCown era in Cleveland is a limited one at best, and second-year quarterback Johnny Manziel is still an unknown quantity.
Certainly, fans of the Browns, deep down, would hope that Manziel finds success, but based on the statements of the coaches and brass, that scenario looks ultimately unlikely.
With that in mind, it is probably not to early to take a look at the 2016 NFL Draft, where there should be several interesting quarterback prospects worthy of a look.
Lets take a gander at some of the contenders to be the next quarterback of the future for the Browns and where they likely will be taken off the board.
Next: Connor Cook, Michigan State
Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) passes against the Baylor Bears during the first half in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Connor Cook, who projects to go in the first two rounds, threw for more than 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns against only eight interceptions in 2014. He actually threw better than his 58 percent completion rate would indicate.
Cook clearly has the confidence and resilient attitude needed for the position and carries himself like a winner, something that rallies his teammates around him. – CBS Sports
He has made incredibly accurate throws in small windows, has excellent pocket awareness, good roll-out ability and, at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, is big enough to shake off rushers. He plays in a pro style offense, so he’s pro ready, and has shown steady improvement since being given the reigns by Marc Dantonio in 2013.
For a quarterback his size Cook runs a respectable 4.85 in the 40, and has become progressively better at checking down and finding open receivers while on the run. Heading into the 2015 season he is 23-3 as a starter and has only one loss in the Big 10, which came last season against Ohio State, 40-24.
Would he be an option for the Browns? One would hope, especially considering he is a local kid, but assuming the Browns have a decent season, it’s likely he would be long gone before they could pick him.[/mockdraft]
Next: Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) calls a play at the line against the Boston College Eagles during the first quarter in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Hackenberg, who is 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, has all the requisite skills an NFL team wants: size, cannon arm, pocket presence and excellent field vision.
“I’ve seen him play every single game, I’ve seen his practice habits, seen him in the meeting rooms, I’ve seen the way he’s worked with Bill O’Brien, and he’s the real deal.” – Mark Whipple, Massachusetts coach
One drawback is that the coaching staff at Penn State has done him no favors as far as developing him as a pro quarterback, as most of the passing plays the offense runs are short, quick throws. The reason for that, however, is because the Nittany Lions’ offensive line has been horrible, as he was sacked 44 times last season.
In addition, Hackenberg threw 15 interceptions, which certainly affects his draft status. Still, he did throw for 2,677 yards and 12 touchdowns and, given a strong line, he could be a stellar option at quarterback for the right NFL team.
His likelihood of wearing the Orange and Brown? Again, based on the round he is likely to be drafted, it is unlikely, although this is the type of player that could have an Aaron Rogers-type of tumble down the draft boards come the 2016 NFL Draft.
Next: Cardale Jones, Ohio State
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) runs the ball against Oregon Ducks linebacker Derrick Malone (22) during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Truthfully, it would be easy to slot J.T. Barrett of Ohio State (34 touchdowns and fifth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy) here as well, but until Urban Meyer decides who will start for the Buckeyes, it’s kind of a toss up as to who the dominant quarterback will be in Columbus.
Cardale Jones‘ remarkable end-of-the-season run that culminated in wins over Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship game, a Sugar Bowl win over powerhouse Alabama, and then a dismantling of Oregon in the BCS Championship, revealed the type of player Jones is and propelled him to elite status.
“(Cardale) has great physical tools, but he won’t be in the first-round mix unless he can win a starting job in Columbus.” – Mel Kiper, ESPN
Although a little bit raw, a characteristic that Meyer will no doubt erraticate, Jones embodies everything one could want in a quarterback. Fleet of foot for a man who weighs 250 pounds – he’s been timed at 4.7 in the 40 – Jones possesses the strength to bounce off tacklers, and yet has remarkable touch when throwing down field. In just three games he passed for 860 yards and seven touchdowns, against just two interceptions, while completing 61 percent of his passes. And he did it against three of the best teams in the land.
Jones does need to learn to handle pressure better as he tends toward tucking the ball and running before checking down to open receivers when he is rushed. He also needs to scan the field better, avoiding locking on to a particular receiver.
The Browns could be interested in Jones should he be available in the second or third round. There’s no doubt that Jones would be a popular choice among some Browns fans, as he is a young man from Greater Cleveland who played locally at Glenville High School under the watchful eye of head coach Ted Ginn Sr.
Next: Cody Kessler, USC
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota‘s awesome season in 2014 overshadowed an all-time Pac 12 season by USC quarterback Cody Kessler.
(Cody) put up big numbers in coach Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense, which calls for a variety of downfield throws, including NFL staples like quick slants, deep posts and outs and wheel routes. – CBS Sports
Kessler threw at a 71 percent completion rate for 3,505 yards and 36 touchdowns, while throwing only four interceptions. His size and lack of physical prowess could prohibit him from becoming an NFL starter, however, so this season he needs to prove the critics wrong.
Kessler will have the normal compliment of good wideouts that are a staple for the Trojans to throw to, so he should see a marked improvement over what was a record-setting season last year.
I don’t really see the Browns seriously looking at Kessler, as he would be another developmental-type quarterback, and while he is talented, the redshirt senior needs additional seasoning to be really good.
Next: Jared Goff, California
Nov 29, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
“He has a big-time arm and shows the ability to read defenses and move defenders with his eyes. Another year of development and Goff could be the top contender as the first 2016 QB off the board.” – Mel Kiper, ESPN
Jared Goff possesses real pocket passing potential, while playing with a less than stellar supporting cast. Goff captured the starting job as a freshman and completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns, although he did throw 10 interceptions.
This past season as a sophomore, he improved those numbers, completing 62 percent of his passes, while throwing for 3,973 yards and 35 touchdowns, while cutting his interceptions to seven, all school records.
Goff will need to learn a pro style offense, as Cal runs the “Bear Raid” offense, effectively a spread-it-and-chuck-it attack, making him yet another quarterback that could slide down draft boards.
Next: Trevone Boykin, TCU
Nov 1, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) throws during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Trevone Boykin represents one of the finest dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, possessing running and passing ability in equal measure. Last season he became only the third player to average at least 300 yards passing and 50 yards rushing per game in a season. The other two? Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel.
Boykin is a fun player to evaluate because of his instinctive playmaking skills as both a runner and thrower, but whether or not he turns into a consistent passer is the key to his NFL projection. – CBS Sports
Boykin was the Big 12 offensive player of the year during a season that included a seven touchdown passing game against Texas Tech, and his Horned Frogs will likely start the upcoming season ranked No. 2.
When you talk about Boykin, think Michael Vick without the dog issues. While the Browns may not be interested in Boykin if they view him as a Manziel clone, Boykin’s measurables are none the less spectacular.
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There are some interesting possibilities with regard to the quarterback class coming into the 2016 NFL Draft. The Browns relative interest will be based, of course, on the needs and preferences of those drafting ahead of them.
However, based upon the quarterback drafts over the past few years, the teams that really needed quarterbacks have filled those needs, and many of the older quarterbacks, like Peyton Manning, have players ready to step in.
If this is the case, the Browns may benefit from the lack of need from other teams in the NFL and may be able to finally find their franchise quarterback.
If the Browns were to select a quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft, who should they take?