Cleveland Browns (3 Viewers)

[BigSteelThrill]

So, if you guys are forced to choose...

1. Your #4 for Johnny Manziel.
2. Or your #26 + and a 2015 2nd to go up and take Derek Carr.

 

[Soulfly3]

So, if you guys are forced to choose...

1. Your #4 for Johnny Manziel.
2. Or your #26 + and a 2015 2nd to go up and take Derek Carr.

Neither.

We dont have to move up from 26 to take anyone. One/both of Carr or Garoppolo will be there at 26, and possibly even one of manziel, teddy and bortles.

 

[MAC_32]

So, if you guys are forced to choose...

• Your #4 for Johnny Manziel.
• Or your #26 + and a 2015 2nd to go up and take Derek Carr.

not how I am looking at it. It's Manziel or Bridgewater at 4 and if not then it is re evaluate at 26 or more likely over night after day one to figure out who to get and when. I seem to be on an island in this thread about qb at four, but if they see their guy then they pick him there.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Scuttlebutt from the NFL owners meetings.

Houston wants to try and trade-down out of the top pick.

Why?

They aren't sold on any of the QBs from this draft class.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2007370-dan-pompeis-read-option-how-will-michael-vick-fit-in-with-the-jets#articles/2007370-dan-pompeis-read-option-how-will-michael-vick-fit-in-with-the-jets

NFL Confidential

• Word from the NFL meetings is the Texans are trying hard to deal the first pick in the draft. They want to move down and acquire extra selections. Sources say they might have a trade partner in the Bills, who appear interested in moving up. It is unclear who the Bills would want in a trade-up scenario. Some believe they would move up for a quarterback. They also could make good use of an offensive tackle such as Greg Robinson. And it would be something to see them pair Mario Williams with either Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack.

Seems others aren't sold on the QBs and they think they will slide in the draft.

Interesting story from NFL.com where they show a boom-bust cycle of drafting NFL QBs in the first round and they mention something I had noticed myself so I found this very interesting.

They state that not only are their boom-bust cycles of drafting QBs in the first round but they note how many young QBs have recently been taken creating a supply-demand cycle that they over-lay with the first round boom-bust cycle of taking a QB in the first round of an NFL draft.

I cut out a lot of this article that explains and gives historical evidence of the boom-bust cycle of QBs in the first round of NFL drafts but here is some key info to mull over.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000336911/article/2014-nfl-draft-potential-firstround-qbs-seeing-stock-plummet

...E.J Manuel was the only guy under center taken in the first round a year ago, and that bust cycle could continue in 2014 based on the number of clubs that need a quarterback being on the light side. The success teams have had in the draft the past few years has produced a youth movement at the position, and with fewer clubs needing a quarterback, there's just not as much need for Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr in the first round as there normally is. A lack of quality supply appears to be meeting a lack of demand this year.

Don't forget it's one of the deepest drafts in recent memory for non-quarterbacks, too.

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah says seven or so teams need a quarterback, but that number could probably be whittled down even further. From his list, the Raiders traded for Matt Schaub to be their starter, and the Cardinals probably won't look for Carson Palmer's replacement too early in the draft based on how close their roster is to the playoffs. Others signed insurance policies that may preclude them from getting a quarterback early: the Jaguars brought back Chad Henne and the Vikings kept Matt Cassel.

Only the Texans and Browns have glaring needs at the position. Keep in mind they also pick at the top of the second round, too, a much better bargain for a quarterback this year than the first round.

Despite it being a passing league nowadays, this year's group of quarterbacks might simply be caught in a cycle where there's little incentive to draft them on the first day.

Go to the link for the full read.

I think their will be some trades at the top of this draft but it seems at least one of the top-four rated guys will drop to our 26th pick.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

So, if you guys are forced to choose...

• Your #4 for Johnny Manziel.
• Or your #26 + and a 2015 2nd to go up and take Derek Carr.

not how I am looking at it. It's Manziel or Bridgewater at 4 and if not then it is re evaluate at 26 or more likely over night after day one to figure out who to get and when. I seem to be on an island in this thread about qb at four, but if they see their guy then they pick him there.

I'm not opposed to a QB at 4. I think at least one of those guys is going to be a franchise guy. I don't know which one, but if the Browns think they do they should get him.

I'm not anti-Hoyer, but the amount of faith Browns fans in general have in him after two games is a little astounding to me.

I think it is very unlikely that the Browns do anything at 4 that is going to upset me. Watkins, Clowney, top-2 tackle, QB, trade down - I'm good.

 

[Soulfly3]

First one in a while guys.... Interesting stuff. Slightly "depressing" for obvious reasons (I dont want a QB), but here she blows

more chat about Manziel and Evans

 

[BigSteelThrill]

So, if you guys are forced to choose...

1. Your #4 for Johnny Manziel.
2. Or your #26 + and a 2015 2nd to go up and take Derek Carr.

Neither.

We dont have to move up from 26 to take anyone. One/both of Carr or Garoppolo will be there at 26, and possibly even one of manziel, teddy and bortles.

Carr wont be there. You'll have to move up for him. But Garoppolo is certainly an option. Though his accuracy is short of the other two, his quick relese is nice.

 

[thecardiackid]

First one in a while guys.... Interesting stuff. Slightly "depressing" for obvious reasons (I dont want a QB), but here she blows

more chat about Manziel and Evans

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

tell your friend to tell them not to get cute.

 

[mr fancypants]

Scuttlebutt from the NFL owners meetings.

Houston wants to try and trade-down out of the top pick.

Why?

They aren't sold on any of the QBs from this draft class.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2007370-dan-pompeis-read-option-how-will-michael-vick-fit-in-with-the-jets#articles/2007370-dan-pompeis-read-option-how-will-michael-vick-fit-in-with-the-jets

NFL Confidential

• Word from the NFL meetings is the Texans are trying hard to deal the first pick in the draft. They want to move down and acquire extra selections. Sources say they might have a trade partner in the Bills, who appear interested in moving up. It is unclear who the Bills would want in a trade-up scenario. Some believe they would move up for a quarterback. They also could make good use of an offensive tackle such as Greg Robinson. And it would be something to see them pair Mario Williams with either Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack.

Seems others aren't sold on the QBs and they think they will slide in the draft.

Interesting story from NFL.com where they show a boom-bust cycle of drafting NFL QBs in the first round and they mention something I had noticed myself so I found this very interesting.

They state that not only are their boom-bust cycles of drafting QBs in the first round but they note how many young QBs have recently been taken creating a supply-demand cycle that they over-lay with the first round boom-bust cycle of taking a QB in the first round of an NFL draft.

I cut out a lot of this article that explains and gives historical evidence of the boom-bust cycle of QBs in the first round of NFL drafts but here is some key info to mull over.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000336911/article/2014-nfl-draft-potential-firstround-qbs-seeing-stock-plummet

...E.J Manuel was the only guy under center taken in the first round a year ago, and that bust cycle could continue in 2014 based on the number of clubs that need a quarterback being on the light side. The success teams have had in the draft the past few years has produced a youth movement at the position, and with fewer clubs needing a quarterback, there's just not as much need for Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr in the first round as there normally is. A lack of quality supply appears to be meeting a lack of demand this year.

Don't forget it's one of the deepest drafts in recent memory for non-quarterbacks, too.

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah says seven or so teams need a quarterback, but that number could probably be whittled down even further. From his list, the Raiders traded for Matt Schaub to be their starter, and the Cardinals probably won't look for Carson Palmer's replacement too early in the draft based on how close their roster is to the playoffs. Others signed insurance policies that may preclude them from getting a quarterback early: the Jaguars brought back Chad Henne and the Vikings kept Matt Cassel.

Only the Texans and Browns have glaring needs at the position. Keep in mind they also pick at the top of the second round, too, a much better bargain for a quarterback this year than the first round.

Despite it being a passing league nowadays, this year's group of quarterbacks might simply be caught in a cycle where there's little incentive to draft them on the first day.

Go to the link for the full read.

I think their will be some trades at the top of this draft but it seems at least one of the top-four rated guys will drop to our 26th pick.

Me thinks the Texans are looking for a payday for Clowney.

 

[mr fancypants]

Thoughts from an inebriated mind.

The more I am looking at this upcoming draft, the more I'm disillusioned with anybody not named Clowney. Therefore after really considering the top 12 players I am convincing myself that the top player to fill a pure need is D. Dennard - CB Michigan State. Consider this.

1. The Browns are not enamored with any of the supposedly top QB's

2. You draft one of the top OT's and play him out of position for the next few years

3. Watkins is a luxury pick that can be filled later on in the draft

The beauty in targeting Dennard is that:

1. You can trade down and acquire additional picks in 2015 (we have enough for this year)

2. You can then pick if you want to call a developmental QB with pick 1B or 3A

3. Dennard fills a pure need for this team as Pettine relys on 2 lockdown corners. I know some like Gilbert but I think he is more of an athlete as opposed to Dennard who is a football player.

The one thing stands out to me this day is back when the patriots in the early 2000's were winning games and then having multiple early draft choices. I was both irritated and impressed with their strategy. The Browns actually have a chance to duplicate this as long as they make wise choices.

OK Rant over, my glass is empty.

 

[ghostguy123]

re: Watkins

I dont think our brass, nor any brass in the NFL is dumb enough to draft a guy at 4 as strictly an "insurance policy".

If we take him, it's with the idea that the Browns need to put points on the board to win games. Gordon is the game-plan of every team now. Tate coming in will force defenses to be a little more honest, but a guy like Watkins opens the field completely for everyone - including himself.

How are teams going to play us w an offense of gordon, watkins, cameron and tate? not too many DC's inthe league have the genius to put up a road block on that.

With a tight ship on defense (and let's be honest, last season our defense underachieved bigtime, imo... and this season our defense is already better and now have a Defensice guru at the helm) and potentially one of the league's most dangerous offenses.... we could see something special grow here.

When's the last time you heard a fan of any other team say they feared the Browns? I think Farmer would licking his chops at running a team like that. You dont draft Watkins solely for what HE does on his own - but also how he's going to open the field for everyone else as well.

Well, a race car is awesome and everything, but if the driver sucks then that car is gonna crash.

Hopefully Hoyer is a competent driver. I trust him as much as any of the QBs in this draft though.

 

[ghostguy123]

First one in a while guys.... Interesting stuff. Slightly "depressing" for obvious reasons (I dont want a QB), but here she blows

more chat about Manziel and Evans

what a coincidence, they JUST had their workouts.

 

[ghostguy123]

Thoughts from an inebriated mind.

The more I am looking at this upcoming draft, the more I'm disillusioned with anybody not named Clowney. Therefore after really considering the top 12 players I am convincing myself that the top player to fill a pure need is D. Dennard - CB Michigan State. Consider this.

1. The Browns are not enamored with any of the supposedly top QB's

2. You draft one of the top OT's and play him out of position for the next few years

3. Watkins is a luxury pick that can be filled later on in the draft

The beauty in targeting Dennard is that:

1. You can trade down and acquire additional picks in 2015 (we have enough for this year)

2. You can then pick if you want to call a developmental QB with pick 1B or 3A

3. Dennard fills a pure need for this team as Pettine relys on 2 lockdown corners. I know some like Gilbert but I think he is more of an athlete as opposed to Dennard who is a football player.

The one thing stands out to me this day is back when the patriots in the early 2000's were winning games and then having multiple early draft choices. I was both irritated and impressed with their strategy. The Browns actually have a chance to duplicate this as long as they make wise choices.

OK Rant over, my glass is empty.

In order to get on board with this, I would have to know the exact trade.

 

[ghostguy123]

Where is Soulfly to answer this. I posed this hypothetical in another Browns forum and basically everyone thought I was an insane idiot.

How many 2015 1st rounders do you think pick 4 could get us in a series of trade downs?

Do you think we could manage to trade down three times and end up with a late 2nd this year, and three 2015 1sts?

Say something like pick 4 for 10 and a 2015 1st, then 10 for 24 and a 2015 1st, then 24 for a mid-late 2nd and a 2015 1st??

And if so, would you be on board? We would still have pick 26, an early 2nd, late 2nd, then all those picks in rounds 3-7.

I would be 110% on board with this, and this would be my strategy moving forward to land a QB, since I don't want any of the QBs we can get at pick 4 this year.

Say with all four of our 2015 1sts we ended up with something like 5, 16, 17, 27.

If, IF there is a QB stud we like, it is hard to think those picks can't move up to pick #1.

If for some reason we dont want any of the QBs high again next year, guess what, we use three of those picks, and use the other pick (say pick 17), and get a couple more 2016 1sts.

No GM will ever do this because of the lack of job security in the NFL and the "win this year at all costs" mentality. It would likely have to be an owner forcing it to happen.

I want it. I want it bad.

Now, I am not saying that for sure this CAN be done, but all the trades are doable, and have been done several times in the past. I just want to at least TRY

 

[amnesiac]

Where is Soulfly to answer this. I posed this hypothetical in another Browns forum and basically everyone thought I was an insane idiot.

How many 2015 1st rounders do you think pick 4 could get us in a series of trade downs?

possibly one.

 

[mr fancypants]

Where is Soulfly to answer this. I posed this hypothetical in another Browns forum and basically everyone thought I was an insane idiot.

How many 2015 1st rounders do you think pick 4 could get us in a series of trade downs?

Do you think we could manage to trade down three times and end up with a late 2nd this year, and three 2015 1sts?

Say something like pick 4 for 10 and a 2015 1st, then 10 for 24 and a 2015 1st, then 24 for a mid-late 2nd and a 2015 1st??

And if so, would you be on board? We would still have pick 26, an early 2nd, late 2nd, then all those picks in rounds 3-7.

I would be 110% on board with this, and this would be my strategy moving forward to land a QB, since I don't want any of the QBs we can get at pick 4 this year.

Say with all four of our 2015 1sts we ended up with something like 5, 16, 17, 27.

If, IF there is a QB stud we like, it is hard to think those picks can't move up to pick #1.

If for some reason we dont want any of the QBs high again next year, guess what, we use three of those picks, and use the other pick (say pick 17), and get a couple more 2016 1sts.

No GM will ever do this because of the lack of job security in the NFL and the "win this year at all costs" mentality. It would likely have to be an owner forcing it to happen.

I want it. I want it bad.

Now, I am not saying that for

.

sure this CAN be done, but all the trades are doable, and have been done several times in the past. I just want to at least TR

I am going on the assumption that there is no elite QB in this draft. If I can acquire a 1st for next year I would be ecstatic. Let Hoyer show what he can do who knows he could be the second coming of Kurt Warner. Crazier things have happened

 

[The Man With No Name]

Hoyer will be 29 this year. He was undrafted, has been in the NFL 5 seasons, has played in only 18 games and started only 4. Do you guys really think he the QB to help take the team to where every team wants to be?

 

[Soulfly3]

I dont like the idea of moving out of the first this year one bit.

Wayyyy too much top end talent in this draft to avoid them all on the chance we get a QB next year (who by the way, may flop)... There is no andrew luck next year either... the QB crop is definitely better than this year, but not a lot better.

I dont even want us moving out of the 4 spot... though Im starting to get the suspicion we might move down a couple of spots (but not out of the top 10) and get some extra juice in this draft.

As much as I want Watkins... is we move down form say.... 4 to 7,8,9, 10.... and we can land Evans plus get an extra few picks in the 2/3 rounds... Id be all for that.

Gordon and Evans combo could be filthy as all hell too, plus we shore up elsewhere w extra picks in a very deep draft.

said this about 2 weeks ago... I got a gut feeling Detroit comes knocking heavy at our door for the 4 pick if Watkins is left there.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Hoyer will be 29 this year. He was undrafted, has been in the NFL 5 seasons, has played in only 18 games and started only 4. Do you guys really think he the QB to help take the team to where every team wants to be?

15 years of ineptitude at the position and the "crazier things have happened" plan is apparently the best one available.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

It happens every year.

Fans of teams at the top of the draft get a bit greedy and want more than their pick and start to envision trade-downs for future riches.

Not only the Browns are looking to trade down.

Houston with the top pick is seeking to trade-down. St. Louis has made it clear they would be open to trading down and now yesterday Jacksonville seems open to trading down.

http://members.jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2014-03-29/story/jaguars-insider-team-keeps-adding-pass-rushers-no-end-sight

... Jaguars owner Shad Khan and general manager Dave Caldwell each had 15-minute briefings during the NFL’s Annual Meeting last week in Orlando and coach Gus Bradley clocked in with a 68-minute breakfast session.

Among their many comments, here are three that stood out (with my analysis):

1. “You can never have enough pass rushers and we’ll continue with that approach.” — Bradley.

My take: Right this way, Jadeveon Clowney … if he’s available when the Jaguars are on the clock May 8. If Houston takes a quarterback and St. Louis an offensive tackle with the first two picks, the general feeling at the meetings was the Jaguars would draft Clowney at No. 3.

Just because the Jaguars added defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons and re-signed Jason Babin doesn’t mean they’re done at that position.

Bradley wants four Leo-types and right now he has Clemons, Babin and Andre Branch. Drafting Clowney would give the dormant pass rush an instant boost.



2. “We feel there could be some options for us at 3 if a team wants to move up.” — Caldwell.



My take: If Clowney is there, the Jaguars’ phone will ring off the hook and there will be interest from Cleveland, Oakland and Minnesota — currently in the fourth, fifth and eighth spots, respectively — if they are in love with one player and want to make sure they get him.



If the Texans go Clowney and the Rams go Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson, the Jaguars could very well trade down if they aren’t inclined to take one of the three quarterbacks. In the process, they could add picks in the second and/or third rounds.

The rookie wage scale encourages teams to take quarterbacks (not as financially crippling if the player flames out) in the first round. That would be my suggestion for the Jaguars.

3. “We have so many picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds … that’s an area of the draft we’ll really concentrate on.” — Bradley.

My take: The Jaguars have two picks in the fourth and sixth rounds and three in the fifth round. It gives Caldwell a ton of options over the final two days of the draft.

Let’s say the Jaguars covet a player late in round 3 on that Friday night. Caldwell could flip one or two of those mid-round picks to find an immediate starter.

He could also trade down a few spots on that Saturday and pick up a mid-round pick in the 2015 draft.

So as natural it is to envision trade-down scenarios for teams at the top of the draft you have to realize that virtually every team at the top of the draft has gamed-out trade-down scenarios and the 'most likely' or 'reasonable' trade-down scenarios would be open to the teams picking at the very-very top of the draft, Houston, St. Louis, and Jacksonville.

The top three teams won't politely step aside if a team picking lower in the first round is seeking to trade-up. Those teams get the first crack and they will listen to any offer. So yeah, its natural to think about trading down but its also natural that teams picking ahead of us will also and they have the first crack to cash in.

I don't see any reasonable trade-down scenarios falling into our laps with the #4 pick.

One other tidbit in the article was this blurb that shows the Browns hold the most available salary cap.

Under contract

According to the NFLPA, the Jaguars have a league-high 78 players under contract. Teams are allowed to have 90 on their roster until a cut to 75 players after the third preseason game.

The Jaguars are likely to make several roster moves between now and the draft — they have 11 picks and will want to sign several undrafted free agents.

Through Friday, the Jaguars were $25,107,265 under the $133 million salary cap (not including the $19,645,333 of available roll over money).

The Jaguars’ cap space was fourth-most in the league, behind Cleveland ($31.8 million), the New York Jets ($28.7 million) and Cincinnati ($26.3 million).

That is a lot of loot to be sitting on but we want to re-sign Alex Mack and we want to extend Joe Haden and I am sure we want to squirrel away some for Josh Gordon when we eventually re-up him and I would imagine those negotiations would start sometime next year.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Hoyer will be 29 this year. He was undrafted, has been in the NFL 5 seasons, has played in only 18 games and started only 4. Do you guys really think he the QB to help take the team to where every team wants to be?

NFL history is filled with undrafted/late drafted quarterbacks who led teams deep into the playoffs...just as it's filled with first round busts who set a team's development back years.

 

[thecardiackid]

Thoughts from an inebriated mind.

The more I am looking at this upcoming draft, the more I'm disillusioned with anybody not named Clowney. Therefore after really considering the top 12 players I am convincing myself that the top player to fill a pure need is D. Dennard - CB Michigan State. Consider this.

1. The Browns are not enamored with any of the supposedly top QB's

2. You draft one of the top OT's and play him out of position for the next few years

3. Watkins is a luxury pick that can be filled later on in the draft

The beauty in targeting Dennard is that:

1. You can trade down and acquire additional picks in 2015 (we have enough for this year)

2. You can then pick if you want to call a developmental QB with pick 1B or 3A

3. Dennard fills a pure need for this team as Pettine relys on 2 lockdown corners. I know some like Gilbert but I think he is more of an athlete as opposed to Dennard who is a football player.

The one thing stands out to me this day is back when the patriots in the early 2000's were winning games and then having multiple early draft choices. I was both irritated and impressed with their strategy. The Browns actually have a chance to duplicate this as long as they make wise choices.

OK Rant over, my glass is empty.

In order to get on board with this, I would have to know the exact trade.

the problem w/ this theory is there's never a guarantee you'll get the player you covet. (i.e. Dennard in this example) Not to say I disagree w/ the idea of trading down (if it's stupid value), but if the player you're targeting after trading down is gone, then you're stuck w/ the BPA way down the draft from the 4 slot. and with a *allegedly* stacked draft this year, I doubt many teams would be willing to trade away a future 1st rounder (in addition to their pick this year) just to move up. maybe if there was a andrew luck type of talent, but there's not.

as much as i appreciate soulfly's optimism (and hope he's right), this team needs more talent, period. our record(s) and our constantly drafting in the top 10 proves that. I'll be fine if we just take the BPA at every one of our current picks. And pray that Farmer and his scouting staff are right.

 

[Faust]

Cleveland Browns' Mike Pettine praises Sammy Watkins and wouldn't be 'all that upset' to draft Jadeveon Clowney at No. 4

 

[daveR]

Cleveland Browns' Mike Pettine praises Sammy Watkins and wouldn't be 'all that upset' to draft Jadeveon Clowney at No. 4

They are working hard at saying how much they like everybody. It's really hard to get any sort of read on which way they're leaning.

 

[Faust]

Report: Browns to hold private workout for QB Derek Carr

By Ryan Wilson | CBSSports.com

Way back in February, the Browns reportedly had no interest in using their fourth-overall pick on Johnny Manziel and instead preferred Derek Carr, thought to be a late first-rounder my most mock-draft pundits.

Who knows where the Browns actually stand on Manziel, Carr or any other draft-eligible quarterback, but the organization maintained the appearance that they weren't interested in Johnny Football by not sending a single representative to his pro day last week.

(We talked about this on the latest Eye on Football Podcast, and even made the case that they're like Ronald Miller in "Can't Buy Me Love" wanting Cindy Mancini to pretend to be his girlfriend, but forgetting about the part where he needs to fork over the $1,000 for it to happen. Because without that, all you have is the most popular girl in school still having no idea you exist.)

But new Browns coach Mike Pettine can explain the conspicuous absence.

"We've always felt -- I felt this way coming in and (GM) Ray (Farmer) has to -- that you get a lot more out of a private workout when it's a little less scripted or it's scripted the way you want it scripted, where you can kind of throw some curveballs at a player and see how they react to it. It's like the difference between a guy hitting home runs at batting practice vs. live pitching,'' Pettine said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I think it's important you get that concentrated view of a player instead of something that's borderline artificial. We certainly get the video of the pro days and see them, so you kind of get the best of both worlds.''

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Browns will hold a private workout Monday for Carr, according to the Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

"I think he's the best natural thrower as far as arm strength and when you're just looking at the guy, natural thrower, in the draft,'' Pettine said at the annual NFL owners meetings last week. (He's) very physically gifted. And a lot of times it's hard to bet against the family history as well. You're talking about like a Jake Matthews that it's the old 'don't bet against the genetics.' I think he certainly falls into that category as well.''

In February, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Carr the Browns' "guy," adding that the team would "...take a different player with the fourth pick and they want to take Derek Carr with their second one. ... I heard that from several different places."

The Browns' second first-round pick is 26th overall, but a lot can happen in six weeks, particularly when talking about draft prospects. So now the question could be if the team would seriously consider pulling the trigger on Carr with the No. 4 selection.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians thinks that Carr deserves to be in the same conversation as Manziel, Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater. "Yeah, he's got those measurables and he's won a lot of ballgames,'' the coach said last week. "I'll have to study him more, but I wouldn't be surprised (if he goes in the top five).''

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reported in late February that "at least 17 quarterback coaches polled at the combine rank Derek Carr over Johnny Manziel," but again, a lot can change in the weeks and months leading up to the draft.

As far as Carr's concerned, he's every bit the quarterback as the Big 3.

"From the evaluations I've got and from the meetings I've had, I don't care what those rankings are,'' Carr said. "I know what I've heard and what they've said to me. They're not going to sugarcoat anything for me. I love what people say outside of those circles. It's fun for me to hear because I know what the teams are saying and what they're telling me. It's been really good so far.”

The CBSSports.com mock draft experts have the Browns taking OT Jake Matthews, WR Sammy Watkins, Manziel or Bridgewater at No. 4, and going with Bridgewater, CB Kyle Fuller, DE Demarcus Lawrence, WR Kelvin Benjamin or WR Marqise Lee at No. 26.

 

[Soulfly3]

If they really want Carr, Im ok w them using their 26 pick + whatever it takes to move up to get him.

But no Q at 4, PLEASE. I cannot stress this enough

 

[B-Deep]

If they really want Carr, Im ok w them using their 26 pick + whatever it takes to move up to get him.

But no Q at 4, PLEASE. I cannot stress this enough

do you think carr is better than the other 4?

here is the thing if you take carr, and he is weeden or mccoy or frye, then what? How soon will you know? how much time do you give him before reloading again?

if there is a QB they think can be a franchise guy at 4 i think they have to take him. If not take carr only if HE is a franchise guy

as for trading down, remember that in a draft this deep, trading down is hard.

 

[B-Deep]

I guess in my opinion this team's #1 priority has to be finding a franchise QB. They need to examine those 4 guys up top completely and decide if they fit the bill. If so passing on them is a huge mistake. Watkins and carr is great, IF carr can play. IF not (and if hoter is not the answer) the offense is not going to be explosive, it'll be a flop

of course if non of those 4 are the answer then don;t take one because you need it. that would be a huge mistake

 

[daveR]

I guess in my opinion this team's #1 priority has to be finding a franchise QB. They need to examine those 4 guys up top completely and decide if they fit the bill. If so passing on them is a huge mistake. Watkins and carr is great, IF carr can play. IF not (and if hoter is not the answer) the offense is not going to be explosive, it'll be a flop

of course if non of those 4 are the answer then don;t take one because you need it. that would be a huge mistake

Of course. I'd go further and say, "No QB projects at 4, 26 or 35!" Beyond that, maybe if he's BPA.

 

[Soulfly3]

If anyone can look you in the eye and say ANY of these guys are undoubtedly franchise QBs - they have balls the size of grapefruits.

Way too many questions on these guys to take one that early. As the saying goes, if you play w fire, you get burned

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

 

[duaneok66]

The problem is that, every year, the top two or three guys are labeled "franchise guys" whether they actually are or they aren't. Then they are drafted a such . . . five years later some of them are at the end of benches or even out of the league.

 

[massraider]

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

Was absolutely, without question, the exact same thing people were saying last year this time.

 

[jurb26]

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

Was absolutely, without question, the exact same thing people were saying last year this time.

Bridgewater is the best QB of the past 2 groups, so it's kind of true.

 

[Soulfly3]

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

Was absolutely, without question, the exact same thing people were saying last year this time.

a lot of people talk out there asses without watching college ball. Now, I cant claim to watch every game, and have an undying knowledge of every QB - But Ive seen enough to know that this year's crop IS better than last year (the most putrid QB class ever?)...

But wont hold a sniff to next year's (which admittedly, isn't the cats ### either, but better than this one)

 

[MAC_32]

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

Was absolutely, without question, the exact same thing people were saying last year this time.

same thing is said every year, keep waiting and you'll get fired before you find one.

 

[MAC_32]

If anyone can look you in the eye and say ANY of these guys are undoubtedly franchise QBs - they have balls the size of grapefruits.

Way too many questions on these guys to take one that early. As the saying goes, if you play w fire, you get burned

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

what are bridgewater's questions?

 

[Soulfly3]

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

Was absolutely, without question, the exact same thing people were saying last year this time.

same thing is said every year, keep waiting and you'll get fired before you find one.

would you have been smiling if we took Manuel or Geno?

id pray to god, no.

 

[Soulfly3]

If anyone can look you in the eye and say ANY of these guys are undoubtedly franchise QBs - they have balls the size of grapefruits.

Way too many questions on these guys to take one that early. As the saying goes, if you play w fire, you get burned

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

what are bridgewater's questions?

I dont like his size one bit. (major concern for me)

Dont like his deep ball, one bit.

Dont think he can be a good cold weather QB

Eyeball test tells me he's a good QB. Not great. Not worth our 4 pick... nor is any QB.

 

[MAC_32]

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

Was absolutely, without question, the exact same thing people were saying last year this time.

same thing is said every year, keep waiting and you'll get fired before you find one.

would you have been smiling if we took Manuel or Geno?

id pray to god, no.

I was and still am a geno fan. He needs some developing and he went to a team that has failed to produce any semblance of offensive talent since Rex took over. I wanted nothing to do with Manuel though.

 

[MAC_32]

If anyone can look you in the eye and say ANY of these guys are undoubtedly franchise QBs - they have balls the size of grapefruits.

Way too many questions on these guys to take one that early. As the saying goes, if you play w fire, you get burned

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

what are bridgewater's questions?

I dont like his size one bit. (major concern for me)

Dont like his deep ball, one bit.

Dont think he can be a good cold weather QB

Eyeball test tells me he's a good QB. Not great. Not worth our 4 pick... nor is any QB.

the size bit with him drives me nuts. Tough s.o.b. plays hurt and plays well anyway. A qb can be successful with just average deep ball accuracy if the rest of his game is great. The rest of his game is great.

 

[amnesiac]

i watched Carr's film and thought he looked pretty good.

looked like he was very accurate and had nice touch.

but you don't get the whole picture from highlight reels.

anyway, i think all this Carr talk is a smokescreen.

for what i have no idea. but if they really like Carr, they have absolutely nothing to gain from telling everyone that.

 

[amnesiac]

If anyone can look you in the eye and say ANY of these guys are undoubtedly franchise QBs - they have balls the size of grapefruits.

Way too many questions on these guys to take one that early. As the saying goes, if you play w fire, you get burned

Next years draft is the honeypot for much better QBs

what are bridgewater's questions?

I dont like his size one bit. (major concern for me)

Dont like his deep ball, one bit.

Dont think he can be a good cold weather QB

Eyeball test tells me he's a good QB. Not great. Not worth our 4 pick... nor is any QB.

the size bit with him drives me nuts. Tough s.o.b. plays hurt and plays well anyway. A qb can be successful with just average deep ball accuracy if the rest of his game is great. The rest of his game is great.

i watched some of Bridgewater's film, and thought he looked OK. nothing impressive.

 

[MAC_32]

i watched Carr's film and thought he looked pretty good.

looked like he was very accurate and had nice touch.

but you don't get the whole picture from highlight reels.

anyway, i think all this Carr talk is a smokescreen.

for what i have no idea. but if they really like Carr, they have absolutely nothing to gain from telling everyone that.

the question about Carr is the same reason his brother failed. Issues vs pressure. Those questions won't be answered until September. That is not an early round one pick. I'd rather not pick him at all, but if it's 26 or later, fine. I guess.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Ideally our record this year won't allow us to be in the running for the top QBs next year.

Unless you're endorsing a "Give in for Winston" plan

 

[amnesiac]

Ideally our record this year won't allow us to be in the running for the top QBs next year.

Unless you're endorsing a "Give in for Winston" plan

just doesn't have the same ring as "Tank for Teddy"

 

[amnesiac]

i watched Carr's film and thought he looked pretty good.

looked like he was very accurate and had nice touch.

but you don't get the whole picture from highlight reels.

anyway, i think all this Carr talk is a smokescreen.

for what i have no idea. but if they really like Carr, they have absolutely nothing to gain from telling everyone that.

the question about Carr is the same reason his brother failed. Issues vs pressure. Those questions won't be answered until September. That is not an early round one pick. I'd rather not pick him at all, but if it's 26 or later, fine. I guess.

that was my impression as well. but if they're hoping to draft him at 26, announcing that to everyone isn't a smart move.

maybe they think they can get someone to trade up for him?

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Ideally our record this year won't allow us to be in the running for the top QBs next year.

Unless you're endorsing a "Give in for Winston" plan

just doesn't have the same ring as "Tank for Teddy"

Couldn't get anything to work for Jameis

 

[amnesiac]

Ideally our record this year won't allow us to be in the running for the top QBs next year.

Unless you're endorsing a "Give in for Winston" plan

just doesn't have the same ring as "Tank for Teddy"

Couldn't get anything to work for Jameis

"Quit on This for Jameis"

 

[Soulfly3]

Shameless for jameis?

 

[jurb26]

Ideally our record this year won't allow us to be in the running for the top QBs next year.

Unless you're endorsing a "Give in for Winston" plan

just doesn't have the same ring as "Tank for Teddy"

Couldn't get anything to work for Jameis

"Quit on This for Jameis"

Win Less for Winston.