The Cleveland Browns have appeared to make their move to strengthen their quarterback position by adding backup Jason Campbell to the roster, but that doesn't mean that the team is done dealing with the position when it comes to the upcoming NFL draft in April.
According to NFL.com, the team could be looking at a number of quarterback options, including with drafting one of the top prospects like Geno Smith, Matt Barkley, Ryan Nassib as well as Arizona starter Matt Scott. The team got rid of Colt McCoy as the backup after getting Campbell by trading him to the 49ers, but that doesn't mean they won't go after another young thrower to put behind Brandon Weeden, who is old for a second-year starter at 29.
New owner Jimmy Haslam has said that he wants to bring in competition for Weeden this season and although they signed Campbell, he could be looking long term as both quarterbacks are getting up in age. The departure of McCoy is telling because the team spent time trying to make it work, but decided it would be best to start over.
The draft has a number of options in the later rounds if the team misses out on a pick with the number six selection, including Scott, Tyler Wilson and names like EJ Manuel and Miami of Ohio's Zac Dysert. While the Browns have Campbell and Weeden, they know that Weeden will be 30-years-old very soon and they still want someone they can develop as the years go.
The team has shown that they are willing to spend this offseason by signing Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant, meaning they could take another route and try a trade. General manager Mike Lombardi has an eye for quarterbacks and although in the past he has said he likes Tim Tebow and his skill set, chances are the Browns will not go after him. The Jets have been shopping around Tebow for months and have yet to find a partner.
Another option for the team could be in the same division, as Lombardi has also stated how highly he thinks of Ryan Mallett, the backup to Tom Brady that was drafted by Bill Belichick two years ago. According to ESPN.com, while the trade seems unlikely, it is not out of the realm of possibility Tony Grossi of ESPN Radio in Cleveland wrote that the Browns could trade one of their many defensive lineman to the Patriots (who need more) for the quarterback.
The move would play in to why Belichick drafted him in the first place, as the young quarterback is merely there as a value player and not a true challenger for Tom Brady. The Browns have looked at quarterback Ryan Nassi of Syracuse, but he may not be rated high enough to go at that point in the first round.
Rob Chudzinski could be a perfect coach for Mallett or Tebow, as he worked with Cam Newton in Carolina and helped him turn into a star quarterback. The Browns have a number of options with the pick, as they could trade down or select someone like Dee Milliner or Sharrif Floyd if they are available.
