The Cleveland Browns have been in total overhaul mode since they finished the 2015 season tied for the worst record in NFL at 3-13, and their new front office and newly acquired head coach Hue Jackson are looking to build a strong foundation, as the Browns have not reached the postseason since 2002.
The Browns have officially released and moved on from troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel, and Jackson made it known as soon as he became Cleveland's head coach that the team was in need of a quarterback. The Browns are reportedly interested in 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but no trade has materialized since reports came out last week.
The Browns may still be in the market for free agent quarterback or a potential trade for Kaepernick, but will likely still target a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Browns are expected to choose from either California quarterback Jared Goff or North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz in the upcoming draft, and while both have legitimate potential at the next level, one quarterback will make a better fit in Cleveland.
The Browns should take Goff over Wentz with the second pick this April for multiple reasons, but largely because the California quarterback is the most pro-ready quarterback in this year's draft class. While Wentz has a ton of potential and has even drawn Andrew Luck comparisons, the FCS quarterback will need time to develop in a system that won't rush him along.
The Browns may feel they can provide that environment for Wentz, but in a tough AFC North Division Cleveland could find themselves in an early hole next season, leading fans and even the organization to possibly starting him too early. The decision to go with Goff is not necessarily a knock on Wentz, but a smarter decision for the future of their franchise, as Goff has proven himself ready for the next level and could even step in at the beginning of next season or even midseason as Cleveland's starter.
While Wentz has received a ton of praise in the lead-up to the draft, Goff is not lacking compliments and has drawn comparisons with Falcons franchise quarterback Matt Ryan. "I wish somebody would start some rumor to get (Jared) Goff to fall in the draft, " said an NFC Executive. "Lets get that small-hand talk going! We would take him tomorrow. He's the best quarterback in this draft and it's not as close as the media is making it sound."
The Browns have huge decision to make that will shape the future of their franchise for years to come, and know first hand the mistake in taking the wrong quarterback in the first round of the draft. Wentz could be a fit in Cleveland, but only if the Browns are willing to take the time to develop the young quarterback and allow him a least a full season to acclimate to the next level. Unless Cleveland acquires a quarterback that they feel comfortable starting for a season, Goff is the right choice as he has the best chance of turning Cleveland's franchise around and is the right fit at the right time.
