Hue Jackson is searching for the next quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Despite having Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown on the roster, Jackson told the media that the franchise needs a starting quarterback and the search is beginning in that effort. With the No.2 pick in the NFL Draft and salary cap space to spare, the Browns could go a number of directions when looking for a new quarterback and the East West Shrine Game was their first stop before hitting up the Senior Bowl.
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Browns took plenty of interest in Carson Wentz as practices for the Senior Bowl kicked off this week. The former North Dakota State star is rising up the rankings as many believe he might now be pegged as the best quarterback in the draft. Wentz was an unknown and is now viewed as a top ten pick and one the Browns might be interested in. According to former team general manager Phil Savage, Wentz has the making of a star.
"With Carson Wentz, most of the scouts I talked to during the year probably thought he was worthy of second-round consideration," Savage said, via ProFootballTalk.com. "But a second-round grade in September is a high grade for a small school. As the fall progressed, then it became, 'Well, no, he's more of a first-rounder.' And within the last two weeks, I had two phone calls from (NFL personnel) friends of mine saying that Wentz isn't just a first-rounder, he's going in the top 10."
According to ESPN's Todd McShay, there is no real home run quarterback in this year's draft class. There are plenty of doubts as to whether or not any of the prospects are ready to lead a team in their rookie season. The Browns need a quarterback that could start right away. With Manziel likely out, McCown is an option, but the Browns want their franchise quarterback, not a stop-gap player.
In many mock drafts, the Dallas Cowboys select Wentz while the Browns potentially pick Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch. In terms of talent, there is no real drop off from the first three picks and players like Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg. That will make the decision tough on the Browns considering they have other needs that must be filled this offseason.
Free agency could still be a place Cleveland picks a quarterback. According to Bleacher Report, Sam Bradford could still be an option with the right contract price. There is also the idea that Kirk Cousins could be available if franchised by Washington. Cleveland would have to give up two first-round draft picks for the quarterback, but they might feel it is worth it. Right now, all signs point to Cleveland getting someone in the NFL Draft, but it remains to be seen who the real best option is.