The Cleveland Browns will surely look to address a glaring need at quarterback with one of their two first-round picks.
Fresh off of a national championship, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has received a lot of praise for his performance on college football’s biggest stage.
The pecking order for the quarterbacks in this draft class has constantly changed. It’s been either Watson or UNC’s Mitchell Trubisky garnering the most love. The Cleveland Browns will look to take one of these top quarterbacks in the NFL draft, as they look to address an obvious need.
With the release of Josh McCown and Robert Griffin III, the Browns currently have Brock Osweiler, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan on their roster. With offensive-minded head coach Hue Jackson at the helm, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll roll into training camp with only those quarterbacks.
The Browns have been linked to Trubisky in the past, but now according to Dan Patrick, it looks like they might be actually interested in Watson.
Dan Patrick @dpshow just said #Browns want Deshaun Watson with No. 12 pick, but are worried Jets will take him at 6
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) April 7, 2017
The caveat in all of this is that the quarterback-needy Jets may take him well before the Browns select again in the second round.
For Browns fans, Watson could be exactly what the doctor ordered: a winner. Watson has done that in his past two years at Clemson, leading to them to the National Championship Game both years.
More from Cleveland Browns
- DraftKings NFL Promo: Bet $5 on the Hall of Fame Game, Win $150 Today!
- Browns release 2022 draft pick after allegations he threatened a woman
- Browns wave white flag against the Steelers months ahead of time
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
In 2016, Watson threw for nearly 4,600 yards on a 67 percent completion rate, with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. When the lights shined brightest, Watson came through for the Tigers. He threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns to lead a late comeback over the Crimson Tide.
Next: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets, Browns land quarterbacks
Cleveland has yearned for a winner at quarterback, and with Garrett likely going at No. 1, the Browns may look to take Watson at No. 12.