Official 2014 NFL Draft Thread - Quarterbacks

OK, time to take a regional look at the draft and what makes sense for local markets, but need AND region...

1. Houston Texans - Johnny Manzel QB, because well Texas and Texas, duh, no brainer
2. St. Louis Rams - Kony Ealy DE, While Offensive line is a bigger issue, there is no regional help for this exercise available. Ealy from Mizzou whould bolster the already strong pass rush and help push the Rams to an elite defense.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles QB, the Central Florida prospect stays in state to cure the teams biggest need.
4. Cleveland Browns - Teddy Bridgewater QB, the Louisville Cardinals have no state ties to any franchise in Kentucky. Their closest ties are to the Bengals(100 mi), Colts(115 mi), Titans(175 miles), Rams(275 mi) and Browns(350 mi)...lucky for us, the Bengals and Colts were cut out of this race making the playoffs...the Rams will be focused on a position outside of the QB and we pick ahead of the Titans...so Bridgewater makes the most sense in Cleveland...I may have embellished this one a little to fit my own selfish needs...BUT, by region, Teddy is the closest top ten prospect to the Browns outside of OLB Kalil Mack in Buffalo.
5. Oakland Raiders - Staying in Cali for big time OLB prospect Anthony Barr of UCLA..

There you have it...a regional top 5 draft mock





Sometimes it sucks waking up so early in the morning and not being able to go anywhere because of snow....

 

Keeping it real...let me continue with the Browns Regional Draft:
#4 Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville (from previous post)
#26 Ryan Shazier, ILB OSU, Darqueze Dennard, CB MSU, Allen Robinson, WR PSU, Taylor Lewan, OT UM
#35 Carlos Hyde, RB OSU, Jimmy Garrapolo, QB EIU
#71 Bradley Roby, CB OSU, Jared Abbrederis, WR Wisc,
#83 Troy Niklas, TE ND, Chris Borland, ILB Wisc
tentative due to compensatory picks
#102 Andrew Jackson, ILB Western Kentucky, Jack Mewhort, OT OSU
#123 Charles Sims, RB WVU, Kurtis Drummond, S MSU
#133 Dri Archer, WR KSU, Jeremy Gallon, WR UM, Hakeem Smith, S Louisville
#164 James White, RB Wisc, C.J. Barnett, S OSU, Devin Street, WR Pitt, David Fluellen, RB Toledo
#195 Ted Bolser, TE Indiana, Corey Brown, WR OSU,

 

Crex... I don't disagree at all with your points.

There's still a lot of ground to cover between now and May 8th. Personally, I don't think we end up 10 draft picks when it's all said and done. It just seems like the year the Browns make a play and I think they're going to do whatever it takes to get "their QB".

Not that crazy, considering that are tons of reports out that they're willing to move all the way to #1 for Manziel.

I think the Texans are going to ask for a slew of picks, but unlike 2012 when you had Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck, you're not going to get into a bidding war for Manziel or Bridgewater. I think Cleveland can move up for #4, #26 and #71 (and/or Brian Hoyer).

Regardless of who we take and where, Cleveland needs to come away with new starters at: QB, RB, WR and CB at the very least. Depending on what happens with Alex Mack and T.J. Ward, they may have to root around for players at those positions, too.

 

I think it would be foolish to move up for Manziel, especially giving up the second round pick. Too many other needs and too deep of a draft to reach for a player. Taking Manziel at #1 is a huge reach IMHO. IF he falls to the Browns at #4 fine. Talented as he may be he needs time to develop and mature as an NFL QB. Plus I don't think he has a big enough arm for the AFCN.

If they want to move up I'd rather they used the #26 with a 3rd and/or 4th to take a WR in the first if necessary.

As for Mack and Ward, I have a feeling that Haslam wants them resigned. He has talked about how much cap room the Browns have repeatedly. I'd look for the FO to front load their contracts so that they are less cap heavy on the back end.

 

I wouldn't give up the second rounder, too. My proposal was both firsts (#4, #26) and a third (#71). It's less than we would have given up to get RG3 -- and Manziel is a better prospect -- and less than we lost by wasting our picks in 2012 on Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson.

Besides, I thought everyone around here had zero faith in the F/O to make personnel moves? Why would we want them making more picks than necessary?

Also... what other needs do you see on this team and how do you propose addressing them? How many starters do we need to replace?

Are you proposing staying at #4 overall and then making another move higher up?

My thought there is we know three QBs are coming off the board in the Top 5 and there may not be another QB worth taking in the first round.

I would love to see both Mack and Ward retained.

 

Ok I stand corrected. I meant I wouldn't give up the extra third rounder to move up for Manzeil. IMHO he is the THIRD best QB in this draft. Maybe even fourth depending on how Garapollo does at the combine.

I have no faith in Leotard or Bonhead in evaluating the talent and making those moves. With Farmer being the guy doing the majority of the scouting while the others sat in the office looking for coaches I feel better about how this draft may go.

OK you've essentially answered part of the question yourself. Bridgewater, Bortles and manziel are the top 3 QB's in this draft. So we should be able to get one of those three by staying put. So YES Stay at #4 and take one of the three.

Now if the FO wanted a guy like Evans or Lee at WR then you may have to move up to do that. Personnally I've liked Lee for a few years now and think he would be a great compliment to Gordon. So yes if getting a playmaking WR means moving up then I'd be ok with that.

 

And that's fair. If Manziel is your fourth-rated QB on the board, that move doesn't make sense. For me, he's the clear-cut #1 QB pre-Combine.

Potentially. Ray Farmer can scout his butt off, but ultimately it's up to Joe Banner to make the decision. If he doesn't trust Farmer or thinks he knows better, he's going to make the move he thinks is right.

As far as I know, Joe Banner has final say on the roster.

This is assuming that Manziel = Bridgewater = Bortles. If that's how your board looks, fine.

For me, Manziel is a Top 3 pick, ahead of Bridgewater. Bridgewater is a Top 5 pick. Bortles, IMHO, is a fringe first-round talent. I cannot see, besides recent hype, what people like about him.

To me, he's equal parts Jake Locker and Blaine Gabbert. Besides "prototypical size", he doesn't shine in another category. Bridgewater and Manziel threw circles around him and Manziel ran circles around him. And consider Manziel did it in the best conference in college.

Here's a pretty good site with nice game film on them. Check out Bortles' (link: http://draftbreakdown.com/players/?position=QB)

I think a ton of that depends on the system we run. In Washington, Shannahan had guys who were not Pro Bowlers but in Houston he has one of the best (Andre Johnson).

I see them drafting another big body to compliment Josh Gordon.

But for my money, I think Odell Beckham Jr. might be one of the best WRs in the class.

 

I've got them:

Bridgewater > Bortles = Manziel

with Bridgewater as my clear cut #1. Pre combine...

I have concerns about Manziel and ball security. He likes to scramble around then just wing it deep and pray his guy can come down with the ball.


After watching some film Bortles reminds me somewhat of the 2 SB winning QB's in our division. He has the size and accuracy with which to compete in this division. He stands well in the pocket and can deliver under pressure.




Since your a sadistical guy SAS, you might find this article interesting. I came across it during my quest for info on the QB class this year. (http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/45952/349/2014s-quarterback-conundrum

 

I havent gone through the 6 pages of posts so forgive me if i am rehashing a topic. What if this is just a moot point? We can assume that Weeden and Campbell are gone. With Shannahan coming aboard it has been said that he will want Rex Grossman on board to help implement his system (and as a solid backup). We also have a developmental QB on the roster in Alex Tanney.

There is such a debate on who is who and how ALL of the qbs will be overdrafted because of their position, why dont we just stand pat? Fix EVERYTHING ELSE and then draft the qb high and put him in the best possible position to win. Next year there will be an equal or better qb draft class with more proven commodities. Add Watkins/Hyde or any combination of dynamic WR/RB in the draft to stack the skill positions. Fix the line, tweak the defense and then draft the guy to lead us for 10-15 years.

 

A fair point, Dogside. And I'm sure it's something the Browns will have to consider.

But do you, as a decision maker for this franchise, feel comfortable going into the season with:

- Brian Hoyer coming off a gruesome leg injury
- Alex Tanney, a UDFA small-school guy
- maybe Rex Grossman who is still Rex Grossman

How about as a fan?

Secondly, what if the Browns aren't in a position to get "their guy" in 2015? What if we finish at 7-9 and don't have the ammunition to move up and get a guy? Do you mortgage the future like Washington did with RG3? Is there a pick, besides Jameis Winston, worth that?

 

Good point.

Its one of those "damned if you do, damned if you dont" scenarios. Not just for an organization but for a fan base. I cant help but keep another cliche out of my head "if you have 2 qb's you dont have 1".

I think there are questions enough about the QBs at the top of the draft that I would be fine taking one of the "second tier" QBs: Garrapollo, Mccarron, Murray, after the first round.

I have seen the comparison of Sammy Watkins to Percy Harvin...i get it...but the difference is: situation.

Harvin was drafted to be a number one receiving option. Here he would be be the 3rd option at best and his explosiveness would be of higher value there because he will not be garnering double teams and being the focus of the passing game. Depending on exactly how Shanny tweaks his offense, he could end up being the 4th option for the qb. With his type of YAC ability, that would be golden.

 

But, what of the question marks about those "second tier" QBs?

Here is the thing, when was there ever a prospect that came out of college without any semblance of a question? Answer is; It's never happened.

We have the "closest to a sure thing" prospects, but all have something that someone, somewhere can pick on as the catalyst for possible failure.

The top QBs in this draft have those same types of questions...so does every other prospect in this draft. Which ones have what is deemed qualities that could make them the best at their position? THAT is the questions that need answered for prospects in the top ten...All 3 of the QBs we have discussed for #4 have qualities that could vault them to the top of the QB food chain...It is not only arguable, but questionable that any other QB being discussed after them do...

Before you bring up Wilson, he had the qualities, but the fact that he is 5'10" trumped them in all scouts eyes, even the Seahawks...otherwise, they would not have waited till the 3rd round to pick him.

As for QB qualities, all 3 at the top have better measurable attributes than Wilson, who just won the Super Bowl...They are also extremely higher measurables than Brian Hoyer, whom I love and want to start this year...

None of the others do...they ARE Brian Hoyer, just a different draft year....How many Hoyer's did we go through to get to this one? Do we even know if Hoyer really is a "Hoyer"? He's only started 3 games....

What I do know is that those 3 QBs have chart topping measurables and game film to tell me they have a MUCH MUCH MUCH higher percentage chance of succeeding.

And if we pass on them all, or even one, for a wide receiver with just as many question marks... some would argue more... then we really are just the same old Browns....

 

I agree with IrishDawg, here, to an extent. The Browns are really in a tough position, as you guys have said, but I don't think you can do what the Browns and other teams have done in the past, which is try to compromise one plan with the other: either pick your new franchise QB now, or pick everyone else. Is anyone here convinced that the Browns won't take a QB at all? Because I think it's a lock they take one in the top three rounds. And, in that case, I say just take the top QB in the first round.

Guys like those that you listed, Dogside (Garrapollo, McCarron, Murray), are lucky hits after a few years at best (disclaimer: I haven't done my homework on all QB's yet, so I might change this stance). Would you rather the Browns walked away taking a top talent at a position other than QB, and took a mediocre QB a round or two later, or take a top QB early with above-average talent at all other positions the next few rounds?

I'd rather the team commit, one way or the other. I hate that, should they pick a QB in round one, he'll be shoved into the starting role with all the crazy pressure and media that surrounds the role, now. But, I'd also rather the team take a potential future franchise guy now than take another guy who is fighting to be even bottom-level starter quality.

I know, I'm a Bears fan chiming in with an argument that's likely been hashed out a thousand times here, but if there was a team I rooted for beyond Chicago, it'd absolutely be the Browns. I figured this situation was interesting enough to chime in on and follow. Best of luck, Browns fans - let's hope this offseason brings good things.

 

I'd wager that it's a lock that the Browns take one with the #4 pick...













IF they don't move up to get one

 

I have come around on the Manziel train. I say we take Johnny at #4, we also need to draft Michael Sam with our second pick in the thrid round. In free agency we need to sign Richie Incognito.

We may not win, but it will be interesting and at least everyone will be talking about the Browns.

 

:! :! :!

ummm... Still not a fan of Manzeil. Need to see him throw at the Combine... I want to see how well he does with different recievers.

Sam is not worth drafting before the 4th round...

Incognito would be nothing more than a cancer

No thanks Dog *STOP* *NO*

 

haha...it wasnt serious.

I dont think Manziel really fits Shannahans offense. I woud take Sam in the 4th..SEC Def. POY is worth it.

I wouldnt mind Incognito. I think that whole scenario is Jonathan Getting butt hurt and not wanting to wear his big boy pants to work. ALL of the OL in Miami stood up for Incognito. He may not be the type of person you like personally but he is the type of nasty guy you want between JT and Alex Mack.

 

I would have had no problem with Incognito, but the last week or so has shown his maturity levels simply aren't fitting for a cohesive locker room. As for what was said or done to Martin, I think it was way overblown and Martin seemed to participate. When you throw fuel on the fire, it is bound to burn out of control. That is just as much on Martin as Incognito. However, Incognito should have let it go and he would have found a new home in a few weeks when free agency starts...probably without losing too much money. Now that he has blown up AGAIN, it is showing his unwillingness to be the more mature person.

I would have no issues with Sam either, as long as he is taken in the 4th round which is where his skill set places him.

As for Manziel in Shanahans offense, I have to disagree, as you knew I would...Shanahan fits an offense to his players. He doesn't try to stick a square peg in a round hole. So whichever QB they settle on, I think Shanny will be able to adapt. With Manziel you get a unique skill set that not many athletes have...AND he can spin the rock with the best of them. I'll say it again, and probalby again next week...

UNLESS, this organization is convinced Brian Hoyer's injury will be 100% healed in time for training camp AND Shanahan and Farmer look at his tape and see that diamond in the rough and are public about it...I will be very disappointed if we do not come away with either Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater...I am still convinced Bridgewater will go #1 overall, but if he doesn't then they MUST make a move to #2 to get him.

 

If you can get Manziel at #26 or in the second round OK. If not let someone else have him.

Considering he is not going to participate in A&M's pro day he wont likely throw at the combine. This to me raises another set of red flags.

To me this says he afraid to show case his skill set against the competition in an environment that he isn't in control of. WHY? Does he really suck that bad when stacked up against his peers?


Give me Bortles over manzeil any day at this point. More NFL upside IMHO...

 

And it'd be a good bet. That's exactly what I mean - does anyone see them going three rounds without drafting a QB? I don't - no way in hell. So, I'd rather them take the best guy possible. Which one that is is up for grabs, but I'd rather they used the first pick and moved on.

Most top QB's don't throw at the combine. Not throwing at his pro day is a bit of a puzzler, though. I think I heard that he plans on throwing at an individual workout open to scouts and staff a week after the pro day, though. That would explain it, if that's the case. Don't quote me on that.

Manziel has all the tools to be successful in the NFL. He's gotta be and stay mature, and protect himself (guys hit a lot harder in the NFL than in college). Assuming he can adjust, I think he'll be a big time playmaker at the next level. I haven't seen Bortles at all, so I have no clue on him - don't get to see much college football, and haven't done my homework on him yet.