Cleveland Browns: What to do with the second pick in the draft

The Cleveland Browns have a big decision to make with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft has been the most enjoyable and exciting event for a decade and a half in the case of the Cleveland Browns. It also is the only time of the year Browns fans confidence levels rise to laughable levels and, on an annual basis, plunge back down by week two of the regular season.

This year is no different for Cleveland fans and they finally didn’t win meaningless games at the season’s end, something that would only damage their draft positioning.

The Browns attain the second overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft while the Tennessee Titans own the first.

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Of course, the talks regarding what quarterback they’re selecting with their first round pick are usually rampant this time of the year. However, this season is an exception.

There is a handful of decent NFL prospects without a doubt. Although this year there is no Peyton Manning, Cam Newton or Andrew Luck to solidify selecting a quarterback with a high-round pick.

Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz all offer great potential on an NFL level but none are sure things as franchise quarterbacks. Goff seems to be the No. 1 QB prospect this draft, although Wentz’s stock is increasing faster by the hour.

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) leaves the game after being ejected for a targeting penalty during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Joey Bosa, defensive end from Ohio State University, is already a fan favorite around the Cleveland area and is also the most talented player on most experts draft board.

The former Buckeye totaled 148 tackles along with 26 sacks in his three seasons at Ohio State. Bosa also was a two-time All-American first team selection.

The Cleveland Browns could certainly use Bosa’s explosiveness rushing from the end as they ranked No. 30 in rushing defense and No. 27 in total defense. In the new regime, you’d expect this team that has faced losing seasons year-after-year to take the best talent with their pick.

Considering the fact that the Browns also are facing an off-season where their offensive line is in serious question with Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz entering free agency. Nine-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas also has voiced is displeasure with another reset in the regime and despite loving Cleveland, may not be back if he’s not happy.

So with you’re best linemen possibly leaving, the Browns would be leaving a rookie quarterback for dead in the pocket.

Josh McCown proved himself to be decent enough to start at the quarterback position for the next season and, quite frankly, the quarterback spot wasn’t among Cleveland’s worst issues.

So why would the Browns take a quarterback at pick No. 2 if it’s at least temporarily stable and no prominent gem at the position in this draft class. They could go Bosa at No. 2 and select a quarterback at No. 32 or later in the draft, maybe a Cardale Jones or Connor Cook.

Well to start, newly hired head coach Hue Jackson has been on record frequently now stating his interest in acquiring the quarterback of the future sooner rather than later.

“If there is a quarterback at No. 2 that is a fit for our team, we need to get him,” said Jackson on ESPN Cleveland.

California quarterback Jared Goff is currently viewed as the best QB prospect on most team’s draft board. However, Carson Wentz of North Dakota State is a hot-topic as well.

Several NFL GM’s have said if Wentz impresses at the Senior Bowl, he’ll be the first quarterback off the board come draft day, according to Pete Schrager of Fox Sports.

Both players offer high potential and possess unique qualities in which NFL quarterbacks must have in order to succeed at a high level. Sure, there are risks associated with these two players but there always is when attempting to draft your franchise quarterback.

Goff’s gun-slinging mentality is problematic looking at the next level and Wentz didn’t play premier talent at North Dakota State University.

Although if Bosa is selected by the Titans as the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Browns more than likely select a quarterback at No. 2.

We did learn this previous season that Josh McCown is willing to mentor a young quarterback from the bench. Johnny Manziel just wasn’t interested in listening to a 13-year veteran quarterback.

With McCown under contract for at least one more season, it’s time for the Cleveland Browns to select their future of the franchise. McCown has been a journeymen throughout his career playing for seven NFL team’s and he assuredly could offer some insight to any young quarterback.

Being able to learn, if they’re willing to, from McCown will help a Jared Goff or a Carson Wentz. Just because there isn’t a sure-thing, franchise quarterback in this draft, doesn’t necessarily mean there will be one next season either.

Drafting a quarterback now is essential for Hue Jackson. Jackson helped develop both Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton into great NFL quarterbacks, neither of which were labeled as franchise quarterbacks when drafted.