Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft

Round 4: Dak Prescott, Quarterback Mississippi State

Let’s face it. The Browns have drafted first-rounders who play like third-string college guys who get to hop in the game during garbage time. The Browns could use some quarterback insurance, but it isn’t worth wasting a first-round pick on talent that either won’t pan out or will end up failing in the Browns system.

Quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State is an attractive option at backup. Sure, the Browns could sign on another aging player for a year, but having a younger, talented player in the wings provides not only a short-term solution, but could be a longer-term solution, particularly if Johnny Manziel continues to struggle with off-field vices and immaturity.

Prescott threw for 3,413 yards in 2015 with 25 touchdowns and four interceptions. On his career he has 8,996 yards with 66 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. He has performed well against some of the best teams in the country, throwing for 335 yards en route to his team’s loss to LSU and 300 yards against Alabama, also a loss. Despite those particular losses, Prescott demonstrated he can stand up against tough defenses and menacing secondaries in high-pressure situations.

While other teams are distracted by Paxton Lynch of Memphis, Jared Goff of California, and Connor Cook of Michigan State, Prescott could serve as a promising backup for the Cleveland Browns with the potential to step in as a starter if the team gets Manzielified.

If a talented quarterback is not available in the third or fourth round, the Browns would be better served by procuring a backup, or starter if need-be, who already has NFL experience, but isn’t in the twilight of his career. There could be a few options floating around in the offseason that would make sense for the team.

Next: Round 5: OLB Travis Feeney