The Cleveland Browns are likely going to take a quarterback with the number two pick in the upcoming NFL draft, with names like Jared Goff and Carson Wentz as potential targets. The Browns are also considering signing Robert Griffin III in free agency to come in and compete at quarterback.
The Browns quarterback situation is one of the worst in the league after the way Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown performed last season. McCown had some solid games, but he could not stay healthy on a consistent basis, while Manziel is no longer even on the roster. While the Browns may surprise and not take a quarterback at number two, it is very likely that the team goes after a player at that position.
UPDATE: Reports have Robert Griffin signing with the Cleveland Browns on a two-year deal. The contract is worth $15 million and will have a guarantee of $6.75 million.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson was at the pro day for Goff at California, and he also is attending the pro day for Wentz, who played at North Dakota State. Most draft experts have the two pegged as the first quarterbacks that will be taken off the board in April. Goff has the statistical advantage over Wentz, but many scouts see Wentz as a better prospect due to his size.
Goff comes in after throwing for over 4700 yards and 43 touchdowns last season. In his Cal career, Goff has thrown for 96 touchdowns and over 12000 yards, which came against tough Pac-12 competition. Wentz is coming out of North Dakota State and while some teams may have an issue with an FCS quarterback, other players from that level have excelled in the NFL, including Joe Flacco and Tony Romo.
The Browns are likely going take a quarterback at number two, but that doesn't mean that player will be the starter. The team is reportedly interested in signing Robert Griffin III, who met with the Browns and head coach Hue Jackson last week. Jackson said that Griffin is a "good young man," but that the team is still going through their "process" in evaluating the quarterback position for next season.
"I think he humbled himself a little bit," Jackson said. "Know that he has a lot of work to do ahead of him to get himself back to where he was. But I think he's willing to do the work. He's trying to find a football team that's the best fit for him. We'll see how that unfolds."
Reports have the Browns as the "most" likely option for Griffin, but teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos and New York Jets have also shown interest.
