No QB in 2010.

[DaBrowns41]

There's much speculation as to who is going in the top 5 and top 10 in the 2010 NFL Draft. As always, there are a few QB's that shoot up the draft boards because the need for QB is so high. This year, junior QB's Jimmy Clausen and Jake Locker are both being hyped up to be top 5-top 10 picks in the 2010 draft, assuming they come out because of the potential situation with the CBA, and with the weak QB draft. With the Browns looking to have a top 5 pick after starting the season 1-7, many people speculate what they need for their team.

 

I can tell you one thing: We can't afford to reach for a quarterback.

 

So our quarterback's right now haven't been able to do anything. They turn the ball over 3 times as much as they score touchdowns. Derek Anderson misses a wide open tight end that's 4 yards in front of him, on a regular basis, while throwing at players feet often.

 

Of course, it's not all the QB's is it. No, it's not nearly all on the QB's, and even as a Derek Anderson hater, I have to be unbiased and see how many drops this offense has, as well as how many fumbles they have. Toss in the terrible passes, and it's just a recipe for disaster. Would a great QB help this team? Sure, but not as much as you'd think. Besides, there aren't any great QB's in this draft. There are just some talented kids who are athletic and have big arms.

 

But no matter how athletic somebody is, and no matter how far they can throw the ball, it doesn't mean that you have to reach for them. There are so many things to judge quarterbacks on: throwing power, accuracy, touch, intelligence, as well as intangibles. You also like to see QB's have 25-30 starts in college and have a winning career if you're going to draft him in the top 10, which neither Clausen or Locker have. So what gives?

 

The biggest reason why the Browns can't afford to take a quarterback is because there are no play makers on the offense. The best thing about this offense is our offensive line with Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, and the emergence of Alex Mack. However, Floyd Womack is less than impressive, and every time I see a DE or OLB getting into the backfield, who else do I see chasing the guy but John St. Clair after getting beat so often. But other than Mack, Steinbach, and Thomas, who is there?

 

Well, there's Joshua Cribbs... kind of. What does Cribbs do for a QB? He's a below average wide receiver and his only role is potentially in the backfield, while running the WildDawg while our QB is lined up as a WR. So who else?

 

Jerome Harrison? He's actually a solid player. But we never get to see him play. Harrison has only showed great things when he gets in the game (unless he's staying in the backfield to block), and he never plays. It's puzzling, really. Either way, he's not enough of a play maker to make defenses afraid and game plan around him.

 

Mohamed Massaquoi? Well, after his 8 catch 148 yard performance against the Bengals, he really hasn't done much. He did have 5 catches for 83 yards against Pittsburgh. So I guess the talent is there. The problem with Massaquoi is that he gets taken out of games too easily. He's inconsistent as well, just like at Georgia. One game he'll have 10 catches for 150 yards and 2 TD's, and then he'll have 4 drops in another game, just like after the Cincy game, he had 4-5 drops the following week against Buffalo.

 

Twinkle toes... Er, I mean Jamal Lewis? He's reportedly done after this season (Thankfully!), and even if he wasn't, he struggles to run through a hole that a train could fit through at times. Not to mention, with defenses not needing to drop back many people because of how ineffective our passing game has been, they get to stack the line.

 

Who else do we have? That's just it... Nobody.

 

Let's look at some history, shall we?

 

I'm going to look at some of the more successful 1st Round QB's over the last 10 years, compared to some that haven't been successful. See if you can find the trend.

 

Successful QB's

 

 

Joe Flacco (Baltimore)- Flacco came into Baltimore last season with Willis McGahee, Derrick Mason, and Todd Heap as offensive weapons, plus Ray Rice was drafted.

 

Matt Ryan (Atlanta)- Ryan came into an offense that just signed the former standout that played behind LaDainian Tomlinson in Michael Turner. Add Roddy White who was a 1,200 yard receiver prior to Ryan (with Joey Harrington throwing him the ball), and Ryan also had Alge Crumpler who was usually good for 700-800 yards and 7-8 touchdowns.

 

Jay Cutler (Denver)- Cutler came into the Denver offense led by Jake Plummer. He got the pleasure of playing with the now retired Rod Smith, and a very talented Javon Walker who was a 1,300 yard receiver prior to injury. Sprinkle in a little Brandon Marshall and add in Shannahan's zone blocking scheme that makes lanes that even my grandmother could run through, and you've got a recipe for success.

 

Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay)- Rodgers was drafted in 2005 to take over for Brett Favre who many thought would retire following 2005... Well Favre lasted until 2007, letting Rodgers learn from one of the best QB's of the last 20 years. Add in Greg Jennings acquired in '06, along with Donald Driver, and an efficient Ryan Grant, and you've got talent.

 

Eli Manning (New York Giants)- Manning was drafted in 2004 getting the pleasure of playing with Pro-Bowler Tiki Barber, along with a great WR duo in Amani Toomer (1,000+ yard receiver annually) and Ike Hilliard. That wasn't it, he also had Jeremy Shockey who some would swear had stick 'em on his hands earlier in his career. A season later, Brandon Jacobs was drafted as well.

 

Philip Rivers (San Diego)- Rivers came into San Diego waiting his turn to hand the ball of to the best RB in the league from around 2002-2007, and throw the ball to a top 3 TE in the league . Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson in their primes were as big of play makers as you could get.

 

Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh)- Despite having a terrible offensive line, Big Ben got some great treatment in Pittsburgh coming into a team that featured Jerome Bettis at RB, along with Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress at WR's.

 

Carson Palmer (Cincinnati)- Palmer went into Cincinnati with the play maker formerly known as Chad Johnson. Not only did he have Johnson, but he had a underachieving Peter Warrick who still made a few plays here and there, but most importantly he had a 1,400 yard rusher in Rudi Johnson.

 

Donovan McNabb is the only one of these QB's not to start out with a stud offensively.

___________________________________________

 

Unsuccessful QB's

 

(Disclaimer leaving out Vince Young, Brady Quinn, and Matt Leinart for lack of opportunity)

 

Jamarcus Russell (Oakland)- Had Justin Fargas in 2007 who had a solid season rushing, but has never been consistent. Not much else.

 

 

Alex Smith (San Francisco)- Had rookie Frank Gore offensively, along with a slightly above average Brandon Lloyd.

 

J.P. Losman (Buffalo)- JP's rookie year he didn't play because of Bledsoe, but McGahee rushed for 13 TD's and had a great season. JP gets about 8 starts in 2005, but McGahee's YPC goes down, and overall play went down. Eric Moulds was the top option for Losman as well, which wasn't terrible, but he wasn't nearly the same Moulds from 1998-2002. Not to mention a terrible offensive line.

 

Byron Leftwich (Jacksonville)- Leftwich had a very young line to work with, but had a fantastic rusher in Fred Taylor. However, he had nobody to throw to, if he could stand upright.

 

Rex Grossman (Chicago)- Grossman only started 6 games out of his first two seasons with a team that had Anthony Thomas and Thomas Jones in each of those seasons, both who were solid rushers. However, there were no WR's, TE's, or an offensive line for that matter. The season that Rex Grossman played decently, he had a 1,200 yard rusher, a pass catching TE, and a veteran receiver in Muhsin Muhammed, and a good pass catcher in Berrian.

 

David Carr (Houston)- Houston being an expansion team, they weren't expected to have any players, and they didn't. Carr spent most of his time in Houston on his back, attempting to hand the ball off to former Buckeye Johnathan Wells (2.7 YPC), and throwing the ball to Corey Bradford and Billy Miller. The Texans got him a RB in Domanick Williams, and a stud WR in Andre Johnson, and they went 7-9 in 2004 in just their 3rd season in the NFL. Once Williams faded away, the only option that Carr had was Johnson... If he could stay on his feet long enough to get it to him.

 

Joey Harrington (Detroit)- Harrington went to a Detroit team whose #1 wide receiver was Az-Zahir Hakim. Need I say more?

 

Patrick Ramsey (Washington)- Ramsey had a mediocre Stephen Davis as his #1 RB, and 1 year wonder in Rod Gardner as a WR. Ramsey's 2nd season his leading rusher was Trung Canidate who rushed for just over 600 yards. His only true option was Laveranues Coles, with an inconsistent offensive line.

 

Michael Vick (Atlanta)- Vick was a different type of quarterback. However, he didn't have any options on offense when drafted either. Atlanta's best WR then was 35 year old Terance Mathis. There was no more running game as Jamal Anderson was washed up.

 

Akili Smith (Cincinnati)- Smith didn't play much his rookie year when he had Corey Dillon and Darnay Scott. Scott emerged as an above average receiver for the Bengals for a few seasons, until he missed the 2000 season with injury. Smith started 11 games in 2000 with a bad offensive line, inexperienced, and lackluster WR's, but at least had a great running game. Unfortunately, just a running game wouldn't do it. He only started 2 more games after that season.

 

 

Tim Couch (Cleveland)- I think we know how this one turned out. Expansion team QB. His best receiver was Kevin Johnson. Terry Kirby was his leading rusher. Couch got sacked so much that I'm pretty sure that his life is permanently scarred for life.

 

 

Cade McNown (Chicago)- McNown had the oh so amazing (sarcasm off) Curtis Enis and James Allen as his first two RB's in the league. Marcus Robinson had a 1 hit wonder season in McNown's rookie year, as Bobby Engram also stepped up, but those WR's weren't enough.

 

 

All of these QB's either had one playmaker or less, while all of the successful guys usually had a solid OL, along with 2 playmakers at least.

 

Jason Campbell is the only QB that busted and it doesn't make sense considering he has Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Santana Moss/Laveranues Coles, etc.

 

Daunte Culpepper was a very solid player (yet inconsistent), prior to tear his ACL, MCL, and PCL. Since that accident, he hasn't been the same.

 

Chad Pennington was somewhat the same way. He had a great season going with 22 TD's and 6 INT's, but injuries just killed him in the long run, and now he's starting to rebound.

 

Since 1999, there have been 26 first round QB's. 8 of those QB's are doing well for their teams. Brady Quinn, Leinart, and Young all haven't gotten true opportunities, which still shows 15/26 QB's failing that were drafted in the first round. Those 15 guys were also drafted without hardly any talent around them.

 

Point is, if you want to use a first round pick on a QB, you've got to make sure he has offensive talent around him. Make sure that he can get the ball to play makers, otherwise these young QB's try to do too much, and they get so much pressure on them, and they buckle.

 

We just need to give Quinn a season as he's very cheap (700k base salary in 2010), and see if he can develop. If we can't, we'll move on after that. But we have a great opportunity to shore up the defense and improve big time. Especially because we have a passionate defensive coordinator that loves the game, and loves the hits and plays.

 

Adding onto my last blog about defensive talent, this draft is just too good to pass up on the defensive talent, especially guys like Suh, Berry, and McCoy.

 

So recapping, the three big reasons I don't want a QB for the Browns are:

 

1) We have no play makers that can support him, and we only have half a line to keep him on his feet. We can't support raw talent with nobody to help him out.

 

2) The QB's potentially in this draft class (which there's no guarantee that they come out), are still not worth top 5 or even top 10 picks in my eyes. They are talented, but very raw, which is scary.

 

3) There's too much talent defensively in this draft. Rob Ryan will be like a kid at a candy store wanting to grab one of everything. There are tons of defensive lineman, and tons of pass rushers, with a limited amount of offensive talent.

[Alo]

Good post, but I don't think it's fair to call Jason Campbell a bust. You're talking about a guy whose completion % and passer rating have improved each year.

 

As a 2010 FA, he'd be an interesting guy to bring in if BQ plays poorly down the stretch. He may not be a "franchise" type, but he's a competent NFL quarterback, which is better than what we've had so far this year.

[hammertime]

Good post, but I don't think it's fair to call Jason Campbell a bust. You're talking about a guy whose completion % and passer rating have improved each year.

 

As a 2010 FA, he'd be an interesting guy to bring in if BQ plays poorly down the stretch. He may not be a "franchise" type, but he's a competent NFL quarterback, which is better than what we've had so far this year.

 

Unfortunately Campell draws paralells to the woman who been married 5 times, all the OC's he's been through is like some serious baggage. Washington has destroyed him, a real shame.

[Chip Banks]

I don't like the top QBs in this draft. Guys I'd take a shot with to develop in later rounds (5-7) if they are available:

 

Mangini as Coach: Pat Devlin Del (perhaps round 4 if he lasts) / Rusty Smith FAU or Tony Pike Cincy (stock dropping with Sophomore sensation's subs). Paired with a FA or minor trade vet QB (Kellen Clemens? )

 

Holmgren GM/New HC (WCO): Dan LeFevour CMU with Quinn kept around for another season. Jason Campbell is not out of the question if the Browns decide to move on in another direction or even open it up to competition. I might sound like a complete homer on this, but if Troy Smith could be had cheaply enough, I could see him being efficient in a WCO. The designed movement provides throwing lanes to help shorter passers (see Jeff Garcia/Joe Montana) and Smith's strength was throwing on the run. I see Smith as a stronger armed Jeff Garcia with a better pedigree. The Ravens picked up Beck because he fits their system better. I really wouldn't be shocked if they picked up Anderson if we released him and cut Troy (in favor of Beck). Beck was Cam's pet project in Miami.

 

This team is not ready to start a rookie QB next season and any coach/GM is going to feel pressure to improve as quickly as possible in a move toward being competitive. You do that by filling a lot of other needs first, IMO. Next year's QB is likely to struggle through more transition.

 

Also, taking a QB 1-5 who might sit the entire first year of his contract will be less harmful under the tighter rookie slotting coming with the next CBA in 2011.

[The Gipper]

Absolutely, I am not in favor of taking a QB in the first round at all. With all the breast beating over how bad our QBs have been, our defense has been just as bad if not worse. In fact, in checking, the Browns offense if ranked #31 in the NFL in yards gained. The Browns defense is #32 and last in yards given up!!

It appears that the best impact players in this upcoming draft are defenders. I question whether there is a Top 10 worthy QB coming out.

[hx214]

I think we just bite the bullet and stick with Quinn for the rest of the year and next year and work on everything else. We keep trying to fix the QB position and can't and everything else stays unattended. If Quinn is just terrible after we give him 8-10 starts then we bring in a Vet that can protect the ball and be smart on offense and let some of these rookies develop. You can't have rookies all over the field and bring in a rookie QB and expect results.

[BrownsKidd]

I'm not sure why everyone is still against BQ. Regardless of how much he has played, and his performances, I think he has the work ethic to be a good QB. He's unproven still. Troy Aikman was won one game his rookie year. BQ hasn't even had a chance to play consistently enough to show that he is capable of growing and learning.

 

We have a 1st Round QB that has done nothing since we drafted him, give him a chance to play the rest of the year and then maybe we can talk more about possible QB's. Too early IMO.

[JoeSixPat]

Unless there is someone that the GM - whoever that may be - is a sure fire can't miss prospect at QB (and yes there are years where that can happen) my suggestion would be to pass on QB in 2010 as well.

 

By 2011 there may be a new rookie salary structure that will make a high first round pick screw up less costly.

 

At QB there's the option of trading for an adequate QB but not a star, or bringing in multiple free agents and lower round rookies and giving them all a chance to compete.

 

The Franchise QBs are tough to come by... there's some luck, and a high price tag associated with obtaining them. If you think you can get one they are worth the money.

 

After that it's "volume volume volume" - bring in as many JAGs as it takes and eventually you'll find a Joe Flacco or someone like that... and maybe even a Tom Brady. A team doesn't need a pro-bowl QB to win the Super Bowl but it sure doesn't hurt.

[mopaji]

Mangini is like BB in the sense that he doesn't fall in love with "stud" QBs. He is more likely to draft a system guy on day 2 to develope behind a Culpepper or Kolb or somebody like that. And I feel that is the best move since, as Chip said, this team is not ready for a rookie QB to start. But, I do expect to see a lot of rookies starting next year in other positions which kinda scares me a little bit. But with 11 picks already and a roster than needs flipped, that may be what we're looking at next year.

[Solon16]

I'm not sure why everyone is still against BQ. Regardless of how much he has played, and his performances, I think he has the work ethic to be a good QB. He's unproven still. Troy Aikman was won one game his rookie year. BQ hasn't even had a chance to play consistently enough to show that he is capable of growing and learning.

 

We have a 1st Round QB that has done nothing since we drafted him, give him a chance to play the rest of the year and then maybe we can talk more about possible QB's. Too early IMO.

 

 

I agree but if he is as unwatchable as he was in the first 2.5 games...then::::: I can tell you one thing: We can't afford to "NOT" reach for a quarterback, at least in the first three rounds!

[hx214]

I'm not sure why everyone is still against BQ.

 

Oh, I'm not against him at all. I think he got a raw deal, and hasn't had any time to develop on the field like he needs. I'm just saying that we might as well stick with BQ through his growing pains, rather than draft another rookie and start all over again. If he doesn't work out after having a year and a half under his belt, then we go after a vet, not draft another rookie. As far as I'm concerned I think BQ has quicker upside than a new rookie... He is still fresh like a rookie, not having played much, he has a few years of study under his belt, and he is smart.

 

I would rather see him given the time to develop then to cast him off and start from square one again.

 

[hammertime]

I agree but if he is as unwatchable as he was in the first 2.5 games...then::::: I can tell you one thing: We can't afford to "NOT" reach for a quarterback, at least in the first three rounds!

 

Solon

 

you seem to have relaxed a little on the 1st pick being a qb, now i can agree with you

[TN Browns Backer]

All good points, I do not believe a QB is the solution to this teams problems, we have issues in several other areas. I would rather pick up a veteran and let him come in and try to make things watchable, at the very least

[Solon16]

Solon

 

you seem to have relaxed a little on the 1st pick being a qb, now i can agree with you

 

Well imo, suh is a once in a decade talent... and because i think we can get a good Qb in the second round.

 

[DaBrowns41]

Well imo, suh is a once in a decade talent... and because i think we can get a good Qb in the second round.

 

Er... Like who?

 

Please don't tell me Tebow.

[flipflop]

Early First round picks in 2011 will become (already have) a LOT more valuable......the lesser risk (salary wise) creates greater value.

 

Good post by the way

 

ps do you have a job....

[Drunkandstoopid]

I think Mangini needs to make his choice between Quinn and Anderson at the end of the year, then get rid of the other. At that point, if they think Ratliff can be a reliable second, draft a second day QB with potential, if not on the Ratliff question, bring in a serviceable journeyman and have him compete for the starting spot. The first two three rounds they need to go for the best players at position of need they can get this year. Build a cockpit and a defense for a QB, then maybe a QB will have a chance here.

[hammertime]

I think Mangini needs to make his choice between Quinn and Anderson at the end of the year, then get rid of the other. At that point, if they think Ratliff can be a reliable second, draft a second day QB with potential, if not on the Ratliff question, bring in a serviceable journeyman and have him compete for the starting spot. The first two three rounds they need to go for the best players at position of need they can get this year. Build a cockpit and a defense for a QB, then maybe a QB will have a chance here.

 

Somewhere in your mind, do you actually beleive DA should be in any equation for our roster next year?

Make a choice? Like a choice is even needed. DA should not be on an NFL roster, well maybe a practice squad.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

I think Anderson is as good as gone. NO way would you want to keep him with his big salary (not guaranteed) for 2010. Quinn has a very light basic salary comparable to the average backup Qb salary and Ratliff is at the NFL minimum.

 

I agree that bringing in a veteran QB as a stopgap would be a good move because I'm not sold on this years QB class. Especially with a top 5 pick. There are some interesting guys I'd take a flyer on later in the draft but as of now, not a high #1.

 

There are too many needs on this team and too many top guys like Suh and Berry. We desparately need a RB, shutdown corner, LB, RT and TE.

 

If there's a can't miss QB available I'd say take him but I don't see it.

[Solon16]

Er... Like who?

 

Please don't tell me Tebow.

 

Case Keenum (if he comes out), pike will fall to second round, Colt McCoy will fall to second round, Dan lafevor might fail to third, Plenty of Qb's better than what we have from second round on...

 

[shoot]

All I know is that watching comedy hour with Jay Cutler and the Bears last night made me feel comparatively good about our QB situation.

[JoeSixPat]

All I know is that watching comedy hour with Jay Cutler and the Bears last night made me feel comparatively good about our QB situation.

 

McDaniels certainly should get a high amount of respect from his team after "downgrading" his QB position. There were quite a few predictions that the Broncos would be flirting with a winless season this year as they initiated their rebuilding.

 

Lerner may even regret passing on McDaniels and choosing Eric "Augustus Gloop" Mangini instead

 

 

 

 

 

[Tim Couch Pulls Out]

I thnk the best QB's for the value in this draft are Pat Devlin, Tony Pike, and Dan LeFevour. They'll be there in the later rounds, and I believe they will make just as much of an impact as your Sam Bradfords, Colt McCoys, Jake Lockers, etc. I don't think we should go for a QB right off the bat, we can afford to stick it out until round 3. I would be happy with any one of the three aforementioned "late-rounders", I think they each bring something to the game that is lacking right now.

[Earl34]

Case Keenum (if he comes out), pike will fall to second round, Colt McCoy will fall to second round, Dan lafevor might fail to third, Plenty of Qb's better than what we have from second round on...

 

Being from the Lone Star State myself, I am biased but I think that those three will make good pros. They won't start from day one so prolong your Brady Quinn experiment or bring in some vet that's hanging on.

[The Gipper]

Being from the Lone Star State myself, I am biased but I think that those three will make good pros. They won't start from day one so prolong your Brady Quinn experiment or bring in some vet that's hanging on.

 

Well, I don't trust those Lone Star QBs. Look at the guys that have come out of Texas Tech and Houston and places like that who lit their college leagues on fire but could do nada in the NFL. Exhibit A: Andre Ware Exhibit B: David Klingler

 

[Earl34]

Well, I don't trust those Lone Star QBs. Look at the guys that have come out of Texas Tech and Houston and places like that who lit their college leagues on fire but could do nada in the NFL. Exhibit A: Andre Ware Exhibit B: David Klingler

 

I knew Andre Ware and I could've told you he would be a bust. Comparing Colt McCoy who will likely finish with the highest completion rating in the history of college football with the U of H QBs from 20 years ago is not a fair comparison.

[Drunkandstoopid]

Somewhere in your mind, do you actually beleive DA should be in any equation for our roster next year?

Make a choice? Like a choice is even needed. DA should not be on an NFL roster, well maybe a practice squad.

I believe at least one of these two should be jettisoned. What happens if Brady comes in and leads the Browns to 24 first downs the rest of the season? I suggest keeping one of them only because the entire team kind of sucks, and it'd be good to have one of them to come in already "knowing the offense" to compete with a veteran journeyman to keep him honest. I don't see the team bring in an entire cadre of new faces at the QB position.

[AZBrowns]

Jake Locker is being hyped up by people who watch him on highlights because if you would actually sit down and watch him for a full game, you'll realize how inaccurate and overrated he is.

 

His career completion percentage is below 55 percent and is only completing 56% of his passes this year.

 

If it weren't for his legs no one would notice him. He is below average. No thanks.

[Alo]

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

 

McCoy might have helped his Heisman campaign by passing for 470 yards against Central Florida last Saturday, but NFL scouts came away alarmed on several fronts.

 

Against an overmatched Golden Knights defense, McCoy still repeatedly stared down his receivers and often forced balls into coverage. One of his passes was intercepted, and several more could have been.

 

Taking snaps out of the shotgun, McCoy appeared unwilling to step up in the pocket and instead often drifted outside of it. When his primary read was covered, McCoy struggled to make the adjustment, leaving open targets unchecked and either forcing passes to covered receivers (often wide receiver Jordan Shipley) or scrambling.

 

On multiple occasions, including near his own end zone, McCoy would drift wide, wait for a receiver to streak across the middle and then fire passes across his body into the teeth of the defense. McCoy was able to get away with it against UCF. Against NFL speed, he would have been intercepted on multiple occasions.

 

I've rated McCoy as the top senior quarterback all season and I continue to believe he has the talent to be a starter in the NFL. I also believe he'll be the first senior quarterback drafted. His athleticism, toughness, short-to-intermediate accuracy and winning percentage cannot simply be ignored.

 

However, McCoy proved much less NFL-ready than I'd hoped for a four-year starter against inferior competition. Considering the host of other concerns NFL scouts have (relative lack of size, marginal arm strength, transition from a spread offense), teams needing immediate quarterback help from the 2010 draft will be looking to underclassmen. -- Rob Rang

via here.

[shoot]

If the Browns draft a QB with their first round pick I will literally kill myself