Cleveland Browns 2015 position preview – Quarterbacks

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Cleveland Browns returned to the city of Cleveland in 1999, they have easily been one of the league’s more irrelevant franchises. Only one playoff appearance since their return speaks loudly in two areas. One, management has been poor and coaching turnover has been way to frequent. The other would be the lack of a franchise quarterback.

The Browns decided to take a big risk when drafting quarterback Johnny Manziel in the 2014 NFL Draft. I mean, every draft pick is a risk, but with Manziel’s persona and troubled past it didn’t seem to bode well for the position he plays. Of course you want your franchise quarterback to have a big and accurate arm, with mobility to make plays with his feet. What people tend to forget is how that player also needs to be able to command a huddle and an organization.

Johnny was immature. That isn’t a recipe for success in the NFL at the quarterback position. Is Andrew Luck immature? How about Tom Brady or Peyton Manning? Nope. Not only are they talented pocket passers, but they are outstanding leaders and the epitome of professionalism.

The team realized they couldn’t head into the 2015 season with their stock completely invested in Manziel, so they decided to sign veteran journeyman quarterback, Josh McCown. Will we see the 2013 McCown that boasted a 109 passer rating in eight games with the Chicago Bears, or the one who was a career backup for a plethora of teams?

This positional group is easily the most fascinating on the team. So what do we have with this current group of Browns quarterbacks? Well, let’s delve into it. Here is my breakdown of the Cleveland Browns quarterback position heading into the 2015 season.

Next: Josh McCown