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Cleveland Browns: Five positions to fix in 2016

By Murray Alexander

Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) walks through the tunnel to the Redskins
Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) walks through the tunnel to the Redskins /
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Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Temple Owls during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Temple Owls during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Perennially an issue, the Browns will almost definitely address the quarterback position this offseason. They have struggled to find consistently competent play at quarterback since they returned in 1999, having and cycled through 24 different starters. If Hue Jackson is to succeed as the Browns’ head coach, he will have to find a quarterback he can rely on.

Josh McCown has played better than could have been expected of him, but he is 37 and has a penchant for putting himself in harm’s way. He will likely be the Browns’ starter for next season, but is just as likely to miss some time. Austin Davis is a capable backup, but not Cleveland’s future at the position. Johnny Manziel may not even be in the NFL next year, nevermind Cleveland.

Free Agent Options

Free agency is a pretty difficult place to find a quality quarterback. The incidences of a decent quarterback being available are few and far between, and often due to extenuating circumstances.

Chase Daniel of the Kansas City Chiefs may be ready to take a shot at a starting job, and probably offers the most interesting option of current free agents after spending the past six seasons backing up Drew Brees in New Orleans and Alex Smith with the Chiefs.

Once he is released, the Browns could also look at Robert Griffin III. He could be a good match with Hue Jackson and was a unique talent in Washington when healthy.

Related: Cleveland Browns draft profile: Jared Goff

Draft Options

The draft is a much more likely option to find Cleveland’s quarterback of the future and the Browns are well placed to do so.

Much of the talk has been about Cal’s Jared Goff and North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, but Paxton Lynch of Memphis is as interesting a prospect. Remarkably tall, he moves well for his size and presents a threat as a runner. He is generally accurate and throws well on the run. He is somewhat reminiscent of Blake Bortles as a prospect.

Later in the draft, North Carolina State’s Jacoby Brissett has great tools. He is very big with a strong arm and able mobility. He has a very good understanding of touch on throws, but needs to tighten up his accuracy and generally needs to speed everything up.

Next: Edge Rushers

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