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Cleveland Browns: Drafting a QB not a sure thing in 2017

By Steven Kubitza

Nov 5, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) scores a touchdown on his forth quarter run against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 48-20. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) scores a touchdown on his forth quarter run against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 48-20. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns fans always focus on the quarterback position, but 2017 may be a year in which the team looks to improve the rest of the roster instead.

Cleveland Browns fans have been waiting for a franchise quarterback since the team returned in 1999. Tim Couch was supposed to be that guy, but cut to 2017 and the position has been so unstable it is hard to believe any player can come in and turn things around.

The NFL Draft also gives Browns fans hope that a true star quarterback can be found. The likes of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers don’t come around often, but there is still talent to be found. The Browns have just been horrible at finding it.

We all know the names, so no need to rehash them all and bring up deep-rooted pain.

The Browns once again have the chance to find some quarterback talent this year, with Mitchell Trubisky and Deshaun Watson serving as the early favorites to end up in Cleveland.

But just because they are the top two prospects doesn’t mean the Browns have to draft one of them, or even any quarterback in this draft class.

Yes, the team needs a franchise quarterback, but there are so many other problems along the roster to fix before a quarterback can come in and succeed. That starts with the defense, which is why the team is certainly taking Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall.

Related: Malik Hooker an option at No. 12

The No. 12 overall pick is where some see the Browns taking a quarterback, but it is still not the team’s biggest need.

Before the addition of Brock Osweiler, the quarterback room was not looking great. But now, if the Browns decide to keep Osweiler, the team has a competent quarterback with NFL experience to lead the team through what is another rebuilding season.

I am not saying Osweiler is the team’s quarterback of the future, but he can hold down the position while the rest of the roster is built up. And if the Browns decide to cut Osweiler, Cody Kessler can fill this role, although Osweiler being let go may signal the team is definitely going to draft or sign another quarterback.

So as of right now, the chances of drafting a quarterback are the same as the team drafting any player. This front office is not going to reach unless they see a clear favorite to turn the team around, and no one has emerged as that player right now.

Next: Browns will look to trade or release Josh Gordon

The decision is up to Hue Jackson and the front office, and fans may not get a better indication of the team’s plans until after private workouts are held.

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