With enough chatter around the upcoming QB class for 2018 in the other threads, I thought it would be fitting to get the ball rolling here and keep the thread-derailing to a minimum elsewhere. I'm stealing Tim's link from another thread (2018 NFL Draft Quarterback Class) but limiting the discussion to just the projected first round picks since the smart money is currently on Cleveland using one of its two first round picks on a signal caller. In no particular order, the four first round prospects in this year's class are: Josh Rosen Baker Mayfield Lamar Jackson Sam Darnold/Josh Allen The last two hinge on Darnold's decision to declare or return for another season.
Josh Rosen School: UCLA Position: QB Class: Junior 6'4" 220 pounds Pros: Natural thrower with top-end arm strength and sound fundamentals. A rhythm passer that once he gets going makes playing the position look effortless. Plus-mobility but not a runner (former tennis player). Can drive the ball to either hash in college and should generate good velocity at the Combine (no concerns about playing in Cleveland weather). Top prospect coming out of HS. Cons: Sometimes takes too long to get going. Has run hot-and-cold throughout his time at UCLA and has not taken the steps you would expect from an elite prospect. Overall accuracy issues compounded by sad supporting cast and inconsistency. Lean frame, despite listed weight. Injury concerns that will definitely need to be cleared medically - surgically-repaired throwing shoulder. Some questions around his love for the game. Analytics: Per PFF.com My Take: My QB2 in this class. Rosen is the kind of QB I could see Hue Jackson falling in love with - mostly because my closest comp for him is Jared Goff. He possesses all the tools to excel at the next level but needs to work on consistency, decision-making, and prove he is committed to the game.
Baker Mayfield Schools: Texas Tech, Oklahoma Position: QB Class: Redshirt Senior 6'1" 220 pounds Pros: Hyper-productive quarterback and one of the most efficient passers in NCAA history. Front-runner for Heisman. Elite accuracy and arm strength to make every NFL throw. Natural playmaker and leader. Plus-mobility and offers some value as a runner. Ultimate competitor - first true freshman to start for an FBS school in NCAA history; driven by perceived slights. Cons: Listed at 6'1" and could measure smaller at the NFL Combine - does not fit the typical mold of an NFL QB. Maturity concerns - including an arrest for disorderly conduct. Played exclusively in spread offenses. Same competitive spirit that makes him so good also needs to be carefully reigned in (infamous crotch-grab at Kansas). Will be a polarizing figure. Analytics: Per PFF.com My Take: My QB1 and would be the clear-cut No. 1 overall prospect in this class if not for maturity concerns (currently No. 2 overall). An ultra-talented competitor who has the "it factor" that cannot be quantified or analyzed. Would take 25/8 on my football team. Closest comp is a bigger, stronger-armed Russell Wilson.
Lamar Jackson School: Louisville Position: QB Class: Junior 6'3" 211 pounds Pros: Elite athleticism as a runner. Freakish agility and burst on non-scripted scrambles, averaging over 10 yards per rush on breakdowns. Former Heisman winner. Good, not elite, arm strength. Displays the ability to add touch and accuracy to passes but does not offer elite accuracy (57.2% career). Improved his game every year and has done a better job keeping eyes downfield while maneuvering the pocket as a junior. Cons: Wiry, wide receiver-like build and will need to add bulk if he's going to be used on designed runs at the next level. Will need help from his skill players in the NFL to improve accuracy and consistency. Improved his turnover-worth throws from 2016 to 2017 but still needs to do a better job making decisions (aided by defensive drops). Analytics: Per PFF.com My Take: A "human cheat code" with a blend of athleticism and arm strength that the NFL hasn't seen since Mike Vick - and a better passer than the former No. 1 overall pick. Jackson will need a quality coordinator at the next level since his skill set - while elite - does not translate to the standard NFL game. My QB3.
Sam Darnold School: USC Position: QB Class: Redshirt Sophomore 6'4" 220 pounds Pros: Prototype QB built in the factory (solid 6'4" and 220 pounds). Good, not great, arm strength. Accurate with the football. Looked the part as a redshirt freshman. Delivery runs hot or cold; when fundamentally sound as a whip delivery and is very crisp with the football. Not a mobile player but can negotiate a pocket extremely well. Can anticipate a route and has shown the ability to lead receivers. Cons: Plays with a much higher level of talent than other first round prospect QBs. Inconsistent and a bit of a gun-slinger; willing to take too many chances. Improved his turnovers down the stretch as a redshirt sophomore, but still is posting a 2.9% INT rate (highest among the peer group). Inconsistent mechanics. Long throwing motion. Young and could use more seasoning. Analytics: Per PFF.com My Take: A "traditional" football guy's dream but a fringe second-round talent for me. Too many times, the prototype fails to develop and Darnold has a quirky-looking delivery to me that, if not properly developed, could be his undoing at the NFL level - long wind up when not fundamentally sound. Will be over-drafted by a solid 30+ spots, in my estimation. He's actually my QB6 (I rate Finley and Rudolph higher).
There in lies the problem with this one...You won't get the proof that he is truly committed until after the card is turned in. This could easily become yet another wasted pick on a QB (not just by the Browns, but historically). I don't get a great feeling from the kid himself, which is why I wouldn't spend a first round pick on him. If I'm being my honest self, no matter how much tape I watch, I don't think I would endorse any other QB than Mayfield. That said, I have a lot of issues with his demeanor that resonates memories of Johnny. He has people whispering in his ear that he needs to clean up the act until his name is called in April and I don't doubt that will start to happen. The DUI will fade away, the planting of the flag (no disrespect meant), the grabbing of the crotch while yelling F bombs (no disrespect meant) and who knows what else that has never come to light. I want to make excuses for him, because I want so badly to get a QB in here that we can get behind. BUT, he has me very worried. I would feel much better "wasting" an extra $10M initially in a deal to for Kirk Cousins. Make that an added bonus that most players don't normally see, to get him to sign. Otherwise, give him a regular top QB contract besides the extra $10M...Veteran QB would go a long way in stabilizing this team.
I am going to have to watch some more college football coming up. I am not as big into the college guys as Sam or ID, TD, etc. Beyond watching tOSU I don't know much about these guys. What I do know is when I have seen Mayfield, dude is legit. I get he has a fiery nature and I keep seeing the JFF comparison but I think its night and day. Baker was a walk-on at Texas Tech, played good and still never got the chance. He has earned his way from basically being a castoff. I would have balls that big too if I was in his shoes. He might have some antics, crotch grabbing, or what not, but he appears to love the game and be super competitive. I don't think it will equate to flashing a money sign when you're getting your ass handed to you in a blow out and you finally get a TD.
Josh Allen School: Wyoming Position: QB Class: Redshirt Junior 6'5" 233 pounds Pros: Looks the part - he is every bit 6'5" and 233 and is built like the NFL prototype. Plus-athleticism to allow him to make plays with his legs and outside of the pocket. Has a cannon arm; makes most throws look effortless. Cons: Missed time this season with a shoulder injury (AC Joint). Not great at getting through progressions from the pocket; quick to roll out. Not an accurate thrower whatsoever (56.2% career completion). Makes poor decisions or misreads too often. A project at the next level. Not a great level of competition. May have damaged some stock returning for another season. Analytics: Per PFF.com My Take: The easy comparison is Carson Wentz but that is giving Allen way too much credit. I can admit my evaluation of Wentz was off - I had him as a Top 20 pick but in no way whatsoever did I anticipate him doing as well this early into his career as he's been. That said, even if I'm off my evals again on Allen, it's not like I have him as a Top 20 - the guy is a third/fourth rounder who'll shoot up boards because the lazy and easy comp is Wentz and it's a copycat league. Allen is a first rounder for some team if Darnold doesn't declare. If he does, I think he's the top QB taken on Day 2 (al la, DeShone Kizer). Allen makes a ton of sense for a team that can afford time to develop a player and a coach with a proven track record, but he'd be an unmitigated disaster in Cleveland.
We don't need another 2nd round flier..Kizer isn't going anywhere and will be developed. ANY QB in this class will be a disaster if the Browns ask him to step in on day one as the starter...We need a veteran in 2018, either one that will allow the #1 overall pick to sit for a year...or one signed to a long term contract to become the franchise guy.
The crotch grab gets the air time because he’s a high profile guy (front-runner for the Heisman) and we don’t normally see brash behavior like that from a QB. What goes unnoticed or undiscussed is how the Kansas captains shunned Mayfield at the coin toss (very disrespectful) and had two personal foul penalties for late hits on him; to say nothing of the jawing at him all game before he scored the TD and infamously blew up at their sideline. It’s not like he’s some douche rubbing it in the faces of a one-win football team. He gave as good as he got. Overall, the narrative around it I’ve heard it: media will have a field day but scouts/football personnel won’t care.
I'm starting to see more Phillip Rivers in Mayfield than the weasel . Mayfield has " it " . yes I wish he was 6-4 and weighed 220lbs .Like Irish stated we need a veteran QB and let whomever they take set . the FO blew it this past year by letting McCown walk . he is a class act on & off the field a perfect mentor for a young QB . right now this team appears to have zero leadership . Mayfield has those capabilities . I'm not so sure Kiser has that and he was thrown to the Wolfes this year . the second most dropped passes and no run game hasn't helped him . after all that rambling if Mayfield can not screw up this offseason and put the work in I say ...take him but not with the first pick ..Barkley then Mayfield .. spend those beans FO ..SPEND THEM !
We can give the F/O the ding for letting McCown walk, but it's been widely reported that Hue was the one who was ready to move on from McCown. They released him really early into the process before the trade for Osweiler or any free agent activity. McCown in New York this season: 235 of 349 (67.3%), 2,549 yards (7.3 YPA, 231.7 YPG), 17 TDs (4.9%), 8 INTs (2.3%), 95.3 QB rating
I gotta wonder how Kizer felt when Hue and Haslam decided to do an "on field" powwow with McCarren? Just another example of the stupidity we have become so famous for. Whether you think McCarren is worthy of even interest is beside the point. What is your team see when you do that publicly on the field as your team is preparing to play the team? Bad optics, and completely un necessary. McCarren isn't a "hot commodity" and if you want him for next year, go about it with some consciousness of how your players would view you "interviewing your next QB" while they are being told to have faith, and keep fighting for their team mates, when you are publicly recruiting a replacement? I don't have any real interest in McCarren. IMO he's only mediocre, has little "on field" experience, and with the picks we have and a stable of McCarrens already on the roster, it makes no sense to pursue him, let alone disrespect your current QBs, and your team by fawning over him right in front of them. Clearly Hue is driving this interest, and IMO, it's his familiarity with McCarren that drives his interest. It smells like a desperate man grasping at straws, rather than thinking things through. Maybe you could argue that getting him before the deadline made "some sense", in that it would offer a chance to possibly get a couple wins this season, but IMO holds no value moving forward. It's another reason why Hue needs to be removed from being the OC. He knows the reason the team has not wins is falling totally on hm, and ignoring any and all other facets, to chase a few wins and salvage his own skin, rather than seeing the team as a whole, like getting a kicker, or game planning to minimize his QB's exposure. Sad and pathetic. An apt description of this team.
I've gone from really disliking Kizer at almost a personal level for his play on the field to nearly feeling bad for him. Hue Jackson is a disgrace as a "QB mentor" and offensive coordinator and really gave him no chance to succeed whatsoever.
Regarding McCarron and the offseason... If Mr. Katherine Webb wins his injunction with the Bengals and is eligible as a qualified unrestricted free agent, sure... sign him to Mike Glennon+ money and let him battle with Kizer for QB1 to start 2018. If, however, he loses and stays a restricted free agent, I would be furious if they traded anything more than a fourth rounder (kinda hard to walk that back when they were about to ship a two and a three their way) for him. Especially, considering he'll be due a contract which means we're paying draft picks and money. Money is fine... that's why they only let billionaires own teams. Draft picks, however, are much more valuable to a team like the Browns.
I agree. The coach and scheme aren't doing Kizer any favors. You would expect more rollouts and a simplified approach, but who knows WTH Hue is doing? Other than cranking up the heat on his already considerably hot seat... I'm hoping that Josh Gordon can be the dynamic force he once was. That endzone drop by Coleman was inexcusable....I do feel sorry fo Kizer in that his WR's have stunk up the place all year. Rico Louis doesn't belong on an NFL roster....Watching Antonio Brown play is like watching a different sport compared to whatever Cleveland's WR's are doing. That guy might be the best non-QB player in the NFL. He gets my vote. Just amazing what he does for an offense. Seriously, Roethlisberger didn't go to him enough last night. He could have went his way about 10 more times for probably another 170 and 2 TD's. The only time bad things happen for the Steelers is when Ben goes elsewhere with it....Brown is double teamed every play, and it doesn't matter, nobody can stay with him. He's always open.
Not to be the pee in everyone's Cheerios, but the Browns are 1-11 in the last 12 games played with Josh Gordon (and 10-25 overall). Sure, Gordon is going to lift the receiving game eventually, but this offense is a mess right now. Here's the lines for the receivers targeted by Kizer: Corey Coleman: 30 targets and 15 receptions (50.0%), 206 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 6.9 YPA, 11 FDs, 55.7 QB rating Kenny Britt: 31 targets and 15 receptions (48.4%), 218 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 7.0 YPA, 9 FDs, 66.3 QB rating Rashard Higgins: 30 targets and 14 receptions (46.7%), 171 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs, 5.7 YPA, 7 FDs, 25.1 QB rating Ricardo Louis: 38 targets and 14 receptions (36.8%), 180 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 4.7 YPA, 9 FDs, 41.6 QB rating Seth DeValve: 32 targets and 19 receptions (59.4%), 226 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 7.1 YPA, 10 FDs, 54.9 QB rating David Njoku: 30 targets and 16 receptions (53.3%), 129 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 4.3 YPA, 7 FDs, 75.6 QB rating Duke Johnson: 53 targets and 40 receptions (75.5%), 330 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6.2 YPA, 16 FDs, 89.3 QB rating Snaps? Louis: 527 (47.9 per game) Higgins: 460 (46.0 per game) Britt: 340 (42.5 per game) Coleman: 205 (41 per game) Johnson: 406 (36.9 per game) DeValve: 378 (34.4 per game) Njoku: 347 (31.5 per game)
