NFL draft

[Valuist]

So of the likely 5 (maybe even 6) QBs to go in the first round, who will have the best career?

I'm going with Baker Mayfield. So far the only knock on Mayfield is his height. If he was 6'3" or taller, he'd be the clear number one. Some knocked the defenses he lit up, but then he went up against one of the best defenses in Georgia and put a hurt on them. Teams will say "we want a big prototype QB in the mold of Peyton Manning". Manning would've been great if he was 6'1". His height didn't make him great; his work ethic and understanding of the game did.

[barahona44]

So of the likely 5 (maybe even 6) QBs to go in the first round, who will have the best career?

I'm going with Baker Mayfield. So far the only knock on Mayfield is his height. If he was 6'3" or taller, he'd be the clear number one. Some knocked the defenses he lit up, but then he went up against one of the best defenses in Georgia and put a hurt on them. Teams will say "we want a big prototype QB in the mold of Peyton Manning". Manning would've been great if he was 6'1". His height didn't make him great; his work ethic and understanding of the game did.

Height's important but as Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have shown, it's not the be-all and end-all.

I don't think any of these guys are going to be superstars.

There's too many legitimate questions for that to happen.But they could be a couple of very good ones.I think Rosen and Mayfield have the best chance of being productive for a long time.USC QB's (Darnold) are guilty until proven competent in the NFL.Allen is the wild card; love the arm and the build but accuracy is an issue and he's played against a low/lower level of competition in high school, JC and Wyoming.Classic boom or bust.

[MutuelClerk]

So if you're the Browns and the object of this draft is to find a QB why not draft a QB with your first and fourth pick overall? Then use the rest of your picks on players and positions you feel you need. If both QB's pan out you move one down the line. If only one pans out you're set for years. If neither pan out I guess you are the cursed franchise everyone says you are. The last QB I remember them having that was any good at all was Kosar? He wasn't elite but was pretty decent. You can't really win in this league without a good QB. Seems like their best chance to get that top QB. It's outside the box. But it could get you to the promised land. Thoughts?

[sour grapes]

is what will drop him down the list of drafted qbs,reading the ny papers the jets will pick either usc or ucla qbs ahead of him.

[headhawg]

So if you're the Browns and the object of this draft is to find a QB why not draft a QB with your first and fourth pick overall? Then use the rest of your picks on players and positions you feel you need. If both QB's pan out you move one down the line. If only one pans out you're set for years. If neither pan out I guess you are the cursed franchise everyone says you are. The last QB I remember them having that was any good at all was Kosar? He wasn't elite but was pretty decent. You can't really win in this league without a good QB. Seems like their best chance to get that top QB. It's outside the box. But it could get you to the promised land. Thoughts?That's not going to work. Teams can barely develop one QB let alone two. And the one not starting is going to get his feelings hurt. Unless they love one of the QBs, they are better off taking Barkley #1 (best player in the draft) and choose a QB with the 4th pick. QBs are all risks, and there isn't one that stands out to me in the draft. And if they suck again this year, they will get a high pick in next year's draft. They are not one pick away from being a Super Bowl contender anyway.

As a Bears fan, that's the mistake that Ryan Pace made last year -- moving up one slot and losing picks to take a QB that will be above average at best. Trubisky is not a franchise quarterback. They also were not a QB away from being a contender. But that pick saved his job because he will argue that the QB needs time to develop, but I digress...

Given that this is the Browns, they will find a way to mess this up.

[Valuist]

So if you're the Browns and the object of this draft is to find a QB why not draft a QB with your first and fourth pick overall? Then use the rest of your picks on players and positions you feel you need. If both QB's pan out you move one down the line. If only one pans out you're set for years. If neither pan out I guess you are the cursed franchise everyone says you are. The last QB I remember them having that was any good at all was Kosar? He wasn't elite but was pretty decent. You can't really win in this league without a good QB. Seems like their best chance to get that top QB. It's outside the box. But it could get you to the promised land. Thoughts?

That would be a huge mistake. There's a reasonable chance none of these 5 QBs ever become better than replacement level. They also acquired Tyrod Taylor, while not an All-Pro, he's a huge upgrade over what they had. Taylor basically does one thing: he doesn't turn the ball over, and turnovers have absolutely destroyed the Browns in recent years. When you are 0-16, you can't use two picks for one position, even QB.

[headhawg]

I'm going with Baker Mayfield. So far the only knock on Mayfield is his height.The other knock on him is that he's a tool -- a Johnny Manziel-type without the obvious drug/alcohol problems. Didn't Cleveland draft Manziel? OMG -- they might do it again with Mayfield.

I still think that of this draft Sam Darnold will have the best NFL career. Or maybe the CFL, not sure. :)

[Valuist]

The other knock on him is that he's a tool -- a Johnny Manziel-type without the obvious drug/alcohol problems. Didn't Cleveland draft Manziel? OMG -- they might do it again with Mayfield.

I still think that of this draft Sam Darnold will have the best NFL career. Or maybe the CFL, not sure. :)

I don't think its right to lump Mayfield in with Manziel. Mayfield is a little cocky, which isn't unusual for QBs. Manziel was a narcissistic alcoholic. A huge difference.

[headhawg]

I don't think its right to lump Mayfield in with Manziel. Mayfield is a little cocky, which isn't unusual for QBs. Manziel was a narcissistic alcoholic. A huge difference.ESPN did some kind of extended interview thing about him that I watched today. He's a tool. Maybe not Manziel, but he's got the potential to be Jameis Winston. Given that he's no lock to succeed and arguably the fourth or fifth best QB coming out, I'll pass thank you. But it's the Browns, so...

And I was right about Manziel. There's a draft thread here about him so you could look it up. :)

[Valuist]

ESPN did some kind of extended interview thing about him that I watched today. He's a tool. Maybe not Manziel, but he's got the potential to be Jameis Winston. Given that he's no lock to succeed and arguably the fourth or fifth best QB coming out, I'll pass thank you. But it's the Browns, so...

And I was right about Manziel. There's a draft thread here about him so you could look it up. :)

Based on passing efficiency, he was the #1 QB in the NCAA last year. People questioned the defenses in the Big 12 but then he faced the top defense in Georgia and lit them up. Both the SoCal QBs beat up on bad defenses and Darnold threw way too many picks. Rosen has talent but he's slight; an injury risk. Allen? He was only "Honorable Mention" in the Mountain West. That's pretty weak. Not even 60% completion vs weak secondaries. IMO, it's clear who the top QB is, and word is that Mayfield's stock is moving up every day.

[headhawg]

Let's just check this thread again in...let's say...five years?

[kingfin66]

So if you're the Browns and the object of this draft is to find a QB why not draft a QB with your first and fourth pick overall? Then use the rest of your picks on players and positions you feel you need. If both QB's pan out you move one down the line. If only one pans out you're set for years. If neither pan out I guess you are the cursed franchise everyone says you are. The last QB I remember them having that was any good at all was Kosar? He wasn't elite but was pretty decent. You can't really win in this league without a good QB. Seems like their best chance to get that top QB. It's outside the box. But it could get you to the promised land. Thoughts?

Geez, I thought that you were exaggerating with that comment so I looked it up. You are 100 percent right! And before Bernie it was Brian Sipe. You have to go back to the late 70s/early 80s for that. I swear that Cleveland will mess this up. They might be better off trading the 2nd pick and drafting at #4. That way they have fewer choices.

[kingfin66]

That would be a huge mistake. There's a reasonable chance none of these 5 QBs ever become better than replacement level. They also acquired Tyrod Taylor, while not an All-Pro, he's a huge upgrade over what they had. Taylor basically does one thing: he doesn't turn the ball over, and turnovers have absolutely destroyed the Browns in recent years. When you are 0-16, you can't use two picks for one position, even QB.

A guy like Taylor - a game manager - is more effective on a solid team. I think that all of the guys mentioned have a higher upside than he does.

[tucker6]

Geez, I thought that you were exaggerating with that comment so I looked it up. You are 100 percent right! And before Bernie it was Brian Sipe. You have to go back to the late 70s/early 80s for that. I swear that Cleveland will mess this up. They might be better off trading the 2nd pick and drafting at #4. That way they have fewer choices.

They passed on Big Ben in 2004, so I expect Cleveland to mess this up. Watch them take a placekicker or something.

[tucker6]

I agree with others who doubt the eventual quality of this QB class. They are NOT on par with the quality of 1983 or 2004. Not even close. I thought Wentz was going to shine right away. Sometimes a guy with talent and a chip on his shoulder comes along and you know it when you see it. I don't see it this year, but hope I'm wrong. I expect 2-3 serviceable guys, but no superstar. Darnold is probably my pick of the litter if given the choice.

[ElKabong]

The other knock on him is that he's a tool -- a Johnny Manziel-type without the obvious drug/alcohol problems. Didn't Cleveland draft Manziel? OMG -- they might do it again with Mayfield.

I still think that of this draft Sam Darnold will have the best NFL career. Or maybe the CFL, not sure. :)

Mayfield was arrested in Arkansas at a Walmart, if I recall alcohol played a part. Don't recall the details but it was a big deal for a day or two then faded

The guy is an immature dick. Easy to say since I'm a Longhorn, but I had / have the greatest respect for Sam Bradford and many other Sooners. Mayfield? A mouthy little dick that will find the nfl too tough to handle after a couple of years unless he changes drastically and immediately.

Just my two cents...

[MutuelClerk]

I do agree the QB's everyone is trading up to select are shaky. Especially this year. If i'm the Browns I either draft two like I mentioned earlier or draft none and take the best two players in the draft. Barkley first and Chubb fourth. Let everyone else moving up fail. But like others have mentioned whatever they do will probably be wrong.

[FakeNameChanged]

Height's important but as Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have shown, it's not the be-all and end-all.

I don't think any of these guys are going to be superstars.

There's too many legitimate questions for that to happen.But they could be a couple of very good ones.I think Rosen and Mayfield have the best chance of being productive for a long time.USC QB's (Darnold) are guilty until proven competent in the NFL.Allen is the wild card; love the arm and the build but accuracy is an issue and he's played against a low/lower level of competition in high school, JC and Wyoming.Classic boom or bust.
Wilson ran a 4.5 forty out of college. Mayfield was 4.81 sec. Having said that I still think he was the best of this bunch of QB's and a better passer than RW, but not Brees out of college. Definitely the most fun to watch.

[BlueChip@DRF]

Josh Allen FTW! :)

[headhawg]

Josh Allen FTW! :)Um...maybe not so much. Not great at a mid-level of competition and now this. Draft stock tumbling?

He's sorry... (https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/26/nfl-draft-josh-allen-apologizes-tweets)

[barahona44]

The way I think the top of the draft will pan out and why.

Browns takes Josh Allen.Most upside and the things that scouts have concerns about have improved, according to reports.I am a great believer in letting QB's sit for a couple of years and given the low level of competition that Allen played against in high school,JC and Wyoming (the MWC ain't the SEC!),he needs it more than the others.That kind of arm, athleticism and size don't come along very often.The Browns could be a playoff team in 2019;the AFC North gets older and weaker every year

The Giants next take Saquonn Barkley.Last season's disaster was an abberation and the Giants think they could get back in the playoff hunt next year.RB is a great area of need, Eli could use the support and RB is the most plug and play position in football.If he could be Ezekiel Elliot , without the off field problems,that could happen.Or they could go with Sam Darnold (a mistake) or Bradley Chubb (see #4)

The Jets might be tempted to take Josh Rosen (a Jewish football star in New York City? My son, the quarterback!:D) but I think they will take Baker Mayfield.He's cocky but he also plays with a chip on his shoulder.New York and him were made for each other.

At 4, the Browns got a gift from the gods.The Texans needed to unload Brock Osweiler's ridiculous contract and the Browns got a 1st round draft pick for doing so.What was unexpected was Houston going from AFC South champ in2016 to last place.They dropped 20 draft positions from the previous year.The Browns take NC State DE Bradley Chubb (or Barkley if the Giants choose a QB,).

At 5, Denver needs a QB.Case Keenum is a game manager and not a long term answer,Rosen could fit here.The most ready to start right away but the concussions are a concern.His father is one of the top surgeons in California so he would be more cognizant of long term damage than most families.Or Denver could trade down for more draft picks.

Well those are my predictions.That and a dime lets you bet on a superfecta.:)

[tucker6]

Um...maybe not so much. Not great at a mid-level of competition and now this. Draft stock tumbling?

He's sorry... (https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/26/nfl-draft-josh-allen-apologizes-tweets)

He's sorry he got caught

[barahona44]

Um...maybe not so much. Not great at a mid-level of competition and now this. Draft stock tumbling?

He's sorry... (https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/26/nfl-draft-josh-allen-apologizes-tweets)

Oops.Cleveland will forgive anything if he could be a winner.Also, a good place to hide out until things blow over,

[Valuist]

Mayfield now a minus 180 favorite at 5 Dimes to be taken first.

[Valuist]

A guy like Taylor - a game manager - is more effective on a solid team. I think that all of the guys mentioned have a higher upside than he does.

You may laugh at this, but if you watched most of the Browns games, they threw away A TON of games last year just due to turnovers. The QB play was horrific. The rest of the roster in no way reflective of their record.

[Valuist]

Let's just check this thread again in...let's say...five years?

I know you are a Bears fan and I'm not sure any of these guys are better than Trubisky, let alone DeShaun Watson. This is an overrated group, IMO.

[pandy]

My oldest son has Jets season tickets. We've gone to the stadium for draft night a few times, which is fun, they let the fans on the field, but tonight we're going to watch it at his house. We don't have a preference which QB they take with their third pick because you never know how it will turn out. I remember '83 when the Jets took Ken O'Brien with the 24th pick and Dan Marino went at 27. I had never seen Marino play in college, but I watched his first start in the NFL and I thought he was already as good as any QB in football. From the moment Marino stepped onto an NFL field, he was a superstar. I was shocked that he went so low. Miami had the winningest record in the NFL during Marino's career and made the playoffs ten times. Ken O'Brien stunk.

[tucker6]

My oldest son has Jets season tickets. We've gone to the stadium for draft night a few times, which is fun, they let the fans on the field, but tonight we're going to watch it at his house. We don't have a preference which QB they take with their third pick because you never know how it will turn out. I remember '83 when the Jets took Ken O'Brien with the 24th pick and Dan Marino went at 27. I had never seen Marino play in college, but I watched his first start in the NFL and I thought he was already as good as any QB in football. From the moment Marino stepped onto an NFL field, he was a superstar. I was shocked that he went so low. Miami had the winningest record in the NFL during Marino's career and made the playoffs ten times. Ken O'Brien stunk.
Marino had cocaine rumors following him as I recall.

[pandy]

Marino had cocaine rumors following him as I recall.

I've heard that, I wonder if it was true. The Dolphins probably started the rumors.

[headhawg]

I know you are a Bears fan and I'm not sure any of these guys are better than Trubisky, let alone DeShaun Watson. This is an overrated group, IMO.For me, jury is still out on Trubisky. He's hard to judge as last year the Bears had no receivers to speak of. I don't think that he will be terrible but I don't think he's a superstar, so somewhere between average and very good. I also thought that Watson was the best QB prospect last year -- good skills and could win games.

I also agree that this year's QBs are overrated. It's possible based on college wins that Mayfield could have a nice career. For me there's just too much negative stuff. If he pulls that mouthy college crap in the NFL he's going to be on his ass a lot.

[headhawg]

Marino had cocaine rumors following him as I recall.That, and he had a poor senior season at Pitt. Quickest release of any QB that I've ever seen. I enjoyed watching Dan Marino: A Football Life. It's on YT if anyone cares to see it.

[Valuist]

For me, jury is still out on Trubisky. He's hard to judge as last year the Bears had no receivers to speak of. I don't think that he will be terrible but I don't think he's a superstar, so somewhere between average and very good. I also thought that Watson was the best QB prospect last year -- good skills and could win games.

I also agree that this year's QBs are overrated. It's possible based on college wins that Mayfield could have a nice career. For me there's just too much negative stuff. If he pulls that mouthy college crap in the NFL he's going to be on his ass a lot.

I agree the jury is out (on Trubisky) and the complete lack of receiving ability last year really hurt. But I liked his pocket presence, and he only started 13-15 games at the college level so there still is some upside. He will need to improve, but I think he will. Maybe a QB who will have a rating between 90 and 95. I think Bear fans would definitely take that.

[BlueChip@DRF]

That, and he had a poor senior season at Pitt. Quickest release of any QB that I've ever seen. I enjoyed watching Dan Marino: A Football Life. It's on YT if anyone cares to see it.

Wasn't there a time when there was rumors of Marino being traded to the Raiders sometime in the 90s? I would have LOVED for that to happen. Marino having Jett, Brown, Ismail and Gault to go long - 4 targets that can pretty much outrun anything on the ground and can keep up with his cannon arm.

[tucker6]

I've heard that, I wonder if it was true. The Dolphins probably started the rumors.
No, I was at PSU during that time and the rumors were strong his senior year. I believe them to be true, and that he was able to extract himself from it, but we will never know.

[proximity]

i'd been working on a script for a movie called DRAFT DAY II where the browns traded themselves for the top pick but ultimately mr Costner told me to enjoy my pancakes.

I think the bears could end up winning this one if quenton nelson falls to them.

[tucker6]

i'd been working on a script for a movie called DRAFT DAY II where the browns traded themselves for the top pick but ultimately mr Costner told me to enjoy my pancakes.

I think the bears could end up winning this one if quenton nelson falls to them.
Don't even tell me you're a Bears fan...

[proximity]

Don't even tell me you're a Bears fan...

indianapoloss.

we probably take roquan smith or (if available) Bradley chubb if we don't trade.

[Valuist]

At 4, Chubb was there for Cleveland to take, and they take a guy who could've gone in the 15-20 range. I guess that's why they are the Browns.

[Secondbest]

At 4, Chubb was there for Cleveland to take, and they take a guy who could've gone in the 15-20 range. I guess that's why they are the Browns.

Or Nelson to protect their new QB

[pandy]

At 4, Chubb was there for Cleveland to take, and they take a guy who could've gone in the 15-20 range. I guess that's why they are the Browns.

Yeah, that shocked me.

[Lemon Drop Husker]

Cleveland had 2 of the 1st 4 picks in the NFL draft. THE NFL, where a bunch of very big people other than you and I, are making a living running into one another on a weekly basis 16 times a year, or more.

With their 2 selections, in a MAN's game, Clevelend picked 2 guys that don't complete 12 feet and/or 400 pounds.

2 of THE very 1st 4 picks.

Meet the new Browns office, same as the old Browns office. :lol:

[barahona44]

Cleveland had 2 of the 1st 4 picks in the NFL draft. THE NFL, where a bunch of very big people other than you and I, are making a living running into one another on a weekly basis 16 times a year, or more.

With their 2 selections, in a MAN's game, Clevelend picked 2 guys that don't complete 12 feet and/or 400 pounds.

2 of THE very 1st 4 picks.

Meet the new Browns office, same as the old Browns office. :lol:
I could live with Mayfield as the # 1 but Ward at #4 was plain idiotic.If you wanted him that badly trade back to around 8 or 9 ,get some extra picks and chances are Ward would still be there.He wasn't even the best CB,let alone DB.Guys like Chubb don't come along every day.

Agree 100% with your last sentence.Too bad because the Browns fans are so loyal, they deserve better.