Jimmy Garoppolo working out for Cleveland Browns today
Jimmy Garoppolo (10) after fumbling the ball during the fourth quarter. USA Today Sports
The Cleveland Browns are busy working out a number of quarterbacks before the draft, and they are expected to take a signal-caller with the fourth overall pick. However, it’s possible for the Browns to take a QB later on, as GM Ray Farmer has raised the possibility of the team throwing a “curveball” on draft-day when it comes to filling out their biggest position of need. One potential option after the fourth overall pick is Eastern Illinois Panthers product Jimmy Garoppolo, who has a private workout with the Browns today, per beat writer Jeff Schudel.
Garoppolo would likely be the Browns selection at the top of the second round if they decide to hold off on taking a QB, and I honestly think they should go after somebody better. While Garoppolo has good velocity on his passes and solid physical tools overall, he is terrible under pressure and has a steep learning curve after playing against weaker competition in college. It’s incredibly difficult to find a franchise quarterback outside of the first round, as passers like Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson are exceptions to the rule.
While Garoppolo is worth taking a flier on as someone who can be groomed into a starting role, the Browns need to go for one of the top tier quarterbacks. Because honestly, drafting Garoppolo seems like settling, and I honestly think David Fales, Aaron Murray, and Brett Smith are better second-tier options. I would rather take Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Blake Bortles, or Johnny Manziel than Garoppolo, but the Browns obviously have to meticulously look through all possible options at the position; working out Garoppolo is just part of the process.