Yesterday’s post regarding the hidden tip of the Browns’ offseason iceberg was the kind of speculation that lingers in regards to analysis, but ultimately serves as yet another exercise in futility.  Or, in other words – despite our massive talent deficit at the position, is anyone genuinely excited about the prospects of adding yet another alleged “franchise” quarterback come April? 

Talking about it is one thing – taking action is something far more sinister. 

Browns QB Chatter: Part 3,500

Which brings us back – again – to the million dollar question – or 40 to 50 more precisely, should the Browns invest a high draft choice in a quarterback?   

Or, would we be taking a step forward or backward by going QB in the first round?

To frame the question in its proper perspective, is this franchise at a point where it can draft what could be considered a “luxury” pick?  With so many other vital needs found among the roster, the selection of a quarterback could impede the overall reconstruction of our franchise.  After all, Brady Quinn, a former highly-touted prospect struggled mightily in 2009, playing with an overly talent-depleted offensive roster.

Is there anyone available in the upcoming draft who could do much better?

Yet, as the Browns enter one of the most critical offseasons of their existence, this most frustrating question – one that has plagued our franchise for years – is perhaps being asked now more than ever. 

And considering the following, that is a most distressing thought.   

2010 Draft Outlook – Quarterbacks 

Where questions such as the following are asked: 

1. How much difference is there between a Round 1 QB compared to a Round 5 or 6 variety?
2. Is it just me, or is it funny when draft analysts refer to “backside pressure?”
3. Is some NFL team truly going to spend a draft pick on Tim Tebow?
4. Just what kind of signing bonus would Jesus demand?
5. Is it true that Colt McCoy is actually shorter than Chase Daniel?
6. Is it possible for Brady Quinn to somehow re-enter the draft?

Actually, I guess the first question was the most relevant.  And the answer, at least in 2010, is less than surprising – unless you buy into the swelling hype machine that represents the lead-up to the draft.  In 2010, the true difference between the top QB prospect and a projected 4^th or 5^th round pick is powder thin.   

Much like the floating bone fragments of Sam Bradford’s shoulder. 

Speaking of which, here is my most cynical look at this year’s QB draft class. 

Sam Bradford
I may sound unfairly critical regarding Bradford’s NFL prospects.  If so, that was my intended desire.  However, I do realize that much of my anti-Bradford sentiment is based on the fact that he is unrealistically ranked as a top draft pick, based on not much more than the prestige factor associated with his position, along with some inflated college stats.   

Throw in an undeveloped and brittle body, a lack of much-needed NFL bulk and experience stemming mainly from a college spread offense, and the red flags begin to litter the discussion.  Although Bradford was a very decisive and accurate college quarterback, his resume was built mainly against a variety of defenseless Big-12 teams. 

Jimmy Clausen
I guess I have been pretty hard on the likes of Bradford and Clausen.  And just wait until I turn back to Tebow. 

Much like Bradford, I would probably like Clausen a lot better if he wasn’t touted so highly.  What exactly is the appeal of a quarterback who experienced very little college success and despite some years of virtual NFL coaching tutelage, still seems stunted in his growth? 

Was that a loaded question? 

Here’s the book on Clausen:  First, he’s tiny.  Second, he’s not a very accurate passer when it comes to intermediate or deep throws.  Speaking of throwing, Clausen’s actual arm motion looks like it will one day tear his clavicle to shreds.  While such a spastic motion, or the kind where he continually throws across his body – are less critical in college – especially when playing the likes of bottom tier Big East teams – the NFL game will likely eat this kid alive. 

Colt McCoy
I admit it – I am terrified of the recent narrative being written regarding McCoy.  Because it is becoming obvious that McCoy will fall to the late 2^nd round or early 3^rd, members of Browns Nation are beginning to talk themselves into a temporal salvation through the QB with the cowboy name. 

Witness the following from Reboot reader, Hermie 13:

If McCoy is there in the 3rd round, the browns should set the record for quickest selection in the history of the draft. The guy was a first round pick til Suh killed him in the SEC champ game (not his fault) and then the injury in the Champ game. He’s a solid 2nd round talent, and it wouldn’t shock me if the Browns gave him consideration at 38. I agree, he does seem like a good fit. 3rd round is perfect though (don’t see him falling that far though). Can sit behind Quinn for a while. Best case Quinn does rebound. Having an extra QB is never a problem. Look what the Falcons got for Schaub or what the Eagles may get for Kolb. If Quinn does fail you can hand it over to McCoy, who I agree seems to fit the system Holmgren runs.

Or, this from Friend of Reboot, Don Delco over at No Logo Needed.

http://www.nologoneeded.com/

As dangerous as this new fiction may appear to be, perhaps even worst is the way the discussion is being framed. What happened to the most basic types of questions possible? 

Something like this:

Do you want to build your offense around Colt McCoy?

And not this:

Is Colt McCoy a better pick in the 3^rd Round, than he is the 2^nd or 1^st?

Or even better:

Is Colt McCoy a better QB because he was drafted in a lower round?

In other words, because McCoy is NOT a first-round (or even second-round) talent, he suddenly becomes more valuable to us.  Really?  Is this not the same college QB who rarely threw any downfield passes, accumulated record completion percentages on a variety of swing passes, generally has a weak arm, completely avoids passing into tight windows, is far too hesitant to take off and run and plays a “small” version of ball, much like our own Brady Quinn?

And some of you want to spend a third-round pick on a player like this?

I’m not sure I would even justify a 5th or 6th rounder on such a flawed prospect.

Speaking of which….

Tim Tebow

Enough said.

Tony Pike
Pike is no doubt the enigma among this year’s QB draft class.  Compared to the other candidates, Pike offers some great size and has a solid arm.  Although “size” is often an overvalued component in analyzing a quarterback – just look at Drew Brees – it is worth noting how different passing windows seem to open for the likes of Derek Anderson, compared to Brady Quinn.  Of course, what a QB does with this size advantage is a completely different story.

However, for Pike, his large frame has served as a bigger target for injury.  Pike has been banged up for most of his college career, which should sound a scary alarm for the new Browns’ braintrust.  Both in terms of durability and overall investment, it’s probably not a good idea to “begin again” with a QB who is already physically declining.

But then again, Pike could prove to be the most NFL-ready quarterback of any of the 2010 prospects.  What Pike may lack in terms of health, he makes up for with an uncanny ability to sense pocket pressure and possesses some quick, evasive feet.  Perhaps this inate sense of awareness is what could eventually elevate Pike into a more intriguing target.

Dan LeFevour
LeFevour is another intriguing prospect, at least based on his college success and healthy share of experience.  However, if you basically analyze the quality of opponent that LeFevour faced, combined with the idea that he played in one of the simplest of college spread offenses, his candidacy for NFL success becomes somewhat flawed.  Throw in a weak arm and a lack of accuracy when throwing on the move, and the learning curve for LeFevour in the NFL could be steep.

Jarrett Brown 
I’m surprised Brown isn’t getting more attention at the moment.  Coming off a solid Senior Bowl performance, Brown appears to be the sleeper among this middle tier of 2010 QB prospects.  But then again, aren’t all of these QB’s middle tier?  Brown could possibly feature the purest athletic ability out of this entire group, but his inexperience running an NFL style offense could prove problematic.

In college, Brown played from the shotgun and didn’t throw many passes beyond a few yards.  However, on the rare occasions that he threw downfield, Brown showed tremendous arm strength and some workable mechanics.  Certainly, the mobility and toughness are there, but much like LeFevour, an NFL team would be waiting a while for a true return on their investment.

John Skelton
Here’s my underdog pick of the draft.  Skelton has great NFL size, has a strong arm and is able to pick apart defenses if given some time.  However, playing in an abyss of a college conference, it’s obvious that Skelton would have to take a giant leap forward in order to make an NFL roster.  However, unlike McCoy being taken in the 3rd round, a 5th or 6th round flier on Skelton could prove to be a quality investment.

Jonathan Crompton
Crompton could prove to be another sleeper.  He brings NFL size, athleticism, arm strength and some moderate success in an NFL-influenced system to the table.  Also, Crompton could possibly own the quickest release out of any 2010 QB candidate.  So having said all this, why isn’t his name mentioned with Bradford and Clausen?  Simply put, Crompton is wildly inconsistent.  Plus, he was never invited to ride the media caravan that has vaulted these same overvalued prospects to the top of the coming draft. 

The Pick 
So, let me put all this into a better perspective, meaning how do any of these candidates fit the current Browns’ roster? 

In terms of need, you could make a case for all of them – until you begin to realize the specific weaknesses each brings.  However, it is obvious that the Browns desperately need to upgrade the QB position.  But, the question remains - does this happen at the expense of another critical roster area?  Or, in other words – does the horse come before the wagon?  Whatever that’s supposed to mean…

On one hand, I would be overcome with joy if the Browns sit out the QB sweepstakes this coming April.  Considering that there is not one truly qualified candidate available, I would hope that Holmgren and Heckert could latch onto to a gap-filling veteran until a better option arrives later.  After all, does anyone really expect the Browns to contend in 2010?

If such a thing occurs, then I would love to see the team take a flier on a lower-round talent, such as Pike, Skelton or even Crompton.  Or, if we’re digging even deeper, how about Troy’s Levi Brown? 

And while these names don’t conjure any immediate visions of Super Bowl titles, at least we can take some comfort in knowing that perhaps for the first time in years, we’re entering an era of stability.  Assuming that Holmgren and Heckert are still around in 2-3 years, ideally one of these less-touted talents could blossom in time. 

Or not.  Taking a QB is a gamble after all.

Especially in the first round.  Especially with these prospects.