The NFL scouting combine brought very few surprises when it came to the quarterback position. Both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston went through their workouts and showed once again that they are the top two players in the bunch. That leaves most teams continuing with their plans to potentially trade up in order to get one of the two quarterbacks. With Tampa Bay leaning towards Winston, the competition is high to grab Mariota and the Cleveland Browns appear to be pushing to become the frontrunners for the Heisman winner.
Quarterback coach George Whitfield told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the Browns trading up for Mariota is a very real scenario. Whitfield has experience coaching both Johnny Manziel and Nariota and would not be shocked to see the two quarterbacks on a roster together in the coming year.
"It's a very real situation, it's always going to be a business and bottom-line situation," Whitfield said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Northeast Ohio Media Group. "And here they are with two first-round picks, and there are some talented young guys in this draft again that can play quarterback, and if they make that decision to bring him in, that's big for him to get a chance to go in and compete with Johnny."
General manager Ray Farmer told the media that anything is possible when it comes to the quarterback position and the Browns would be very willing to package their two first-round picks in order to grab someone in the first round. NFL Media's Albert is reporting that Farmer favors Mariota over Winston and the feeling is mutual. Mariota told reporters at the combine that it would be an awesome opportunity to play for the Browns despite Manziel being on the roster.
Mike Pettine told the Browns' front office that they needed to find him a quarterback. That may or may not be Mariota and it may or may not be Brian Hoyer. The veteran quarterback is preparing for free agency and has said he would be willing to re-sign with Cleveland if they guarantee him the chance to start. As the Browns weigh their interest in Mariota, talks with Hoyer have yet to begin.
According to ESPN.com, contract talks with Hoyer will not happen until the quarterback sits down with a face-to-face talk with Farmer. Hoyer is concerned about the ongoing NFL investigation with the game day texting scandal. He is also concerned about what his role on the team would be and what other moves the Browns are planning. There is no chance Hoyer re-signs if Cleveland goes and gets a quarterback in the draft. The veteran wants no part in another highly-publicized quarterback competition like he endured with Manziel.
