Key Highlights
- Like most things, the answer is “both.”The Browns need a quarterback and the team needs better weapons/offensive linemen.
- Both are true.
- The reality is that the second part takes multiple players, while the quarterback is a singular option, leading to it being a singular focus for most in the media and fans. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere are a few Cleveland fans who believe QB Shedeur Sanders should be built around, but there was very little proof in his first season that he should be the only option.
- How many fifth-round picks with more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (6) and a very low QBR (19.0) would get much of a benefit of the doubt after eight games?The answer is none. With 14 teams (now 12 after Saturday’s action) making the NFL playoffs, a quick look at how each was acquired by the team they are playing for:AFC Playoff TeamsDenver Broncos – Bo Nix – 1st round pick – 12th overallNew England Patriots – Drake Maye – 1st round pick – 3rd overallJacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence – 1st round pick – 1st overallPittsburgh Steelers – Aaron Rodgers – Free agent signee – Originally selected in 1st round, 24th pick overallHouston Texans – CJ Stround – 1st round pick – 2nd overallBuffalo Bills – Josh Allen – 1st round pick – 7th overallLos Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert – 1st round pick – 6th overallNFC Playoff TeamsSeattle Seahawks – Sam Darnold – Free agent signee – Originally selected in the 1st round, 3rd pick overallChicago Bears – Caleb Williams – 1st round pick – 1st overallPhiladelphia Eagles – Jalen Hurts – 2nd round pick – 53rd overallCarolina Panthers – Bryce Young – 1st round pick – 1st overallLos Angeles Rams – Matthew Stafford – Trade acquisition – Originally selected in the 1st round, 1st overallSan Francisco 49ers – Brock Purdy – 7th round pick – 262nd overallGreen Bay Packers – Jordan Love – 1st round pick – 26th overallPutting the information together, in the NFL playoffs:11 of 14 QBs are playing with the teams that drafted them12 of the 14 QBs were selected in the 1st round9 of the 14 QBs were selected in the Top 10 (Top 7 actually)The 2 non-1st round QBs were drafted by teams with loaded rosters, including great offensive lines, defenses, and run gamesMost of the 1st round QBs were drafted by teams that were disasters the previous season and only became stable/good laterFor the Browns, their path may be one that is totally dependent on what quarterbacks are available.
- Is there a QB prospect that they have a high enough grade on to select in the Top 10?