Cleveland is expected to kick the 2018 NFL draft off with a quarterback, and picking the right one could be a franchise-shaping decision.
In the build-up to the 2018 draft, USA TODAY Sports will take a look at each NFL team’s situation and needs.
Cleveland Browns
1. The Browns have infamously started 28 different quarterbacks since rejoining the NFL in 1999. Recently acquired Tyrod Taylor will apparently be the 29th, likely as a bridge option to a young franchise passer. After passing up opportunities to take the likes of Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson in the past two drafts, Cleveland is finally poised to find a long-term solution with the No. 1 pick.
Advice: While coach Hue Jackson says the team is still eyeing four quarterbacks, Southern California’s Sam Darnold and Wyoming’s Josh Allen are commanding the most buzz for the first pick. Allen represents too much of a gamble, and his struggles with accuracy and touch seem to make him a poor fit with new wide receiver Jarvis Landry, who thrives in the short area. Darnold has to iron out his turnovers and footwork, but he brings the playmaking ability and poise that the Browns need from this position.
2. Cleveland owns five of the top 64 picks, including the No. 4 overall selection via a previous trade with the Texans. A potential early run on quarterbacks could leave them with their pick of the best non-passer in the class at that slot.
Advice: If Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is available, the Browns should take him to lock down their backfield of the future. Carlos Hyde was signed this offseason, but Barkley is the kind of transformative figure who can take on an Ezekiel Elliott or Leonard Fournette role as an offense’s centerpiece. If Barkley isn’t the choice, a Day 2 running back should be on the agenda. Georgia’s Sony Michel or Southern California’s Ronald Jones would be dynamic additions who could ease a rookie QB’s burden, though likely not to the degree that Barkley can.
3. The Browns still have needs at several other positions, including along the offensive line after the retirement of stalwart left tackle Joe Thomas. Still, the most glaring concern might be at cornerback, where a reshuffled group still seems to be short on starting-caliber talent.
Advice: Staying local with Ohio State’s Denzel Ward could be a consideration at No. 4 if Barkley is off the board, albeit perhaps a bit of a stretch. Instead, Cleveland should see if a first-round caliber talent — perhaps Central Florida’s Mike Hughes or Louisville’s Jaire Alexander — slips to the second day. With three picks in Round 2, the Browns could also target Colorado’s Isaiah Oliver or Auburn’s Carlton Davis.
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Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz
