3 potential backup quarterbacks the Cleveland Browns could target in the 2023 NFL Draft

Deshaun Watson is the starter under center for the Cleveland Browns but they can use more depth, which is why these three should be on their radar

With Deshaun Watson under contract, the Cleveland Browns have their starting quarterback. However, there’s no evidence they have a backup they believe in.

With Jacoby Brissett hitting free agency, Kellen Mond is the only signal-caller under contract behind Watson. They’re likely going to see who they might like in free agency but the 2023 NFL Draft is an option as well.

Here, we look at three quarterbacks the Browns could target if they want to go that route for their next backup.

3 potential backup QBs the Browns could target in 2023 NFL Draft

3. Clayton Tune, Houston

Houston has produced a few NFL quarterbacks over the years such as David Klingler, Andre Ware, and Kevin Kolb. However, they haven’t really produced long-term starters with journeyman Case Keenum serving as their most productive alumn in the league.

And if we’re being honest, Clayton Tune might be able to find a similar role in his career. Like Keenum, he put up some great numbers for the Cougars but doesn’t possess elite arm strength and can be guilty of staring a receiver down.

He does, however, provide a strong competitor that throws with great accuracy. He also has the ability to move the ball with his legs, putting up 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns as a runner.

Cleveland could add him with a late selection in day three and while they clearly liked Kellen Mond enough to claim him, Tune might be able to push him for a spot as a rookie.

2. Max Duggan, TCU

After three decent seasons with TCU, Max Duggan broke out in 2022 as a senior. Duggan finished with 3,698 yards passing and had a 32-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He was also tough to deal with when he would tuck the ball and run as he had 423 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

That was enough for him to finish second in Heisman Trophy voting and he led the Horned Frogs to a 13-win season and a trip to the National Championship Game. While most will remember their embarrassing 65-7 loss to Georgia, they did put on a show with a 51-45 win over No. 2 Michigan in the VRBO Fiesta Bowl.

Duggan was huge in that game, throwing for two touchdowns and running two more as he helped his team shock the Wolverines. He also proved he can get his No. 1 target the ball as Quentin Johnson had six receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown in that win.

His play in that win was impressive and he proved to have a stronger arm than he gets credit for. In addition to this, and his mobility, Duggan has shown he can make his reads and come to a decision quickly.

He clearly needs better play around him to compete with the best, but in the NFL, he might have a career as a No. 2 quarterback, making him someone the Browns should keep an eye on.

1. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA

The biggest name on this list belongs to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who spent five seasons at UCLA — earning a redshirt senior campaign thanks to playing just five games in 2020. He put up some great numbers for the Bruins, finishing with 10,710 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 36 picks.

He’s also a weapon as a runner, racking up 1,826 yards and 28 touchdowns, 12 of which came in 2022.

All the numbers look great for Thompson-Robinson but he’s still expected to be a late-round pick. Not only is he under-sized at 6-foot-1 and 205-pounds, but he struggles with accuracy despite having a cannon for an arm, as pointed out by Brentley Weissman of The Draft Network.

"“As a passer, Thompson-Robinson displays a compact and quick release. He surveys the field well and throws from a good base from his lower half up to his upper. Thompson-Robinson has excellent arm strength and velocity and shows the ability to drive the football into tight windows in all areas of the field. His accuracy is just average and his ball placement can be improved.” — Weissman, The Draft Network"

The accuracy concerns are legitimate but having a backup that can run a similar offense to Deshaun Watson could be huge for Cleveland. It’s also nice when they can lean on their running ability early in their career, which can get them into a rhythm.

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