Cleveland Browns HC Mike Pettine Wants to Avoid Starting A Rookie Quarterback

Sep 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson (93) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine would like to avoid starting a rookie at the quarterback position and would prefer for the team to select a QB later in the draft. He doesn’t want to use the 4th overall selection on that position.

"“I’ve never felt that if you draft them high that you have to start them right away,” Pettine said on the first day of veteran minicamp. “You can make a mistake there and I’ve been a part of both (starting them right away and waiting). I think it’s extremely difficult to come in out of a rookie camp and some (organized team activities), a mandatory camp and a training camp and all of a sudden be ready to be a starter in the NFL. – cleveland.com"

The Browns will select again with the 26th overall selection and could risk a team jumping in front of them to select a quarterback that they would want. The Browns have Brian Hoyer on the roster and he could be the starting quarterback going into the season, but the Browns will have to find someone to compete with him for the starting gig. They have brought in a few guys in their tryouts, but they are likely going to compete for a backup role.

Pettine might not want to give the job to a rookie, but if the rookie plays the best in the preseason and during training camp, he has no other choice.