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Cleveland Browns Rumors: Team Prefers QB Jared Goff over Carson Wentz

By Dan Schmelzer

Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) prepares to throw the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) prepares to throw the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Whether they select a quarterback with the second overall pick or not is still up for discussion, but recent Cleveland Browns rumors suggest that the team prefers Jared Goff over Carson Wentz at the quarterback position.

In most mock drafts, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz is the common selection for the Cleveland Browns with the second overall pick. Wentz’ size, athleticism, obvious leadership ability and proven ability to succeed in cold weather clearly makes him an appealing target for the Browns early-on.

Related Story: Cleveland Browns: Complete Seven-Round 2016 NFL Mock Draft

After signing former star quarterback Robert Griffin to a free agent contract this off season, a hot-shot defensive prospect like DB Jalen Ramsey, LB Myles Jack, DE Joey Bosa or DL DeForest Buckner could also be an option for the team.

That being said, if the Browns believe that one of these quarterbacks can be a franchise signal caller, then that needs to be the selection. Hence the reasoning for Wentz being mocked to them over and over again.

However, are we all looking at the wrong quarterback? According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, that just may be the case. La Canfora reports that new Browns’ offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton sees Jared Goff as the far superior prospect, and “it wouldn’t take a major leap to infer that might just be how (Browns’ head coach Hue) Jackson sees things himself.”

"“Goff has many champions within the Browns’ organization,” according to La Canfora. “Although a preponderance of mock drafts will show Wentz being selected with the second-overall pick, I have continued to hear that Goff is actually very well positioned to be Cleveland’s guy.”"

La Canfora goes on to site Hamilton’s connection to Goff while the coach was at Stanford and the quarterback at Cal. Hamilton appeared to be heavily involved in the recruiting of Goff to Stanford and was always a big fan of his.

“(Jackson) liked him then and, per his Browns’ reports, likes him even more now,” La Canfora continued. “Goff is also the preferred choice by many in the analytics community as well.”

While we have mostly gotten the idea that the Browns’ front office likes Wentz, they are an analytical based front office who are undoubtedly going to use the numbers to make a decision. This is another tally on the side of Goff. The coaching staff already clearly likes him, and the front office can get on board based on their reliance of analytical data.

Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

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With Griffin on board, the Browns can choose to take a star defensive prospect if they wish. Robert Griffin III is far from a proven commodity, but his upside is still massive. Passing on quarterback in the first round, allows the Browns to give Griffin a full opportunity to be the starter. If he falls flat on his face like he did the last time we saw him in action, then the Browns will probably be in prime position to land a franchise quarterback again next year.

I certainly understand the appeal of taking a quarterback at number two, but I can understand the reasoning for passing on the position as well. That being said, if the Browns look to go the quarterback route at number two, Goff certainly appears to be the best bet at this time.

It is important to be careful with rumors this time of the year, but La Canfora’s report is so specific and makes sense on many levels. I do not think this is something that was made up out of thin air by a team to play the media.

More nfl spin zone: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Three Complete Rounds

There is so much unknown, which leads to so much intrigue. No matter who they choose, this will be an interesting selection for the Browns. Taking a quarterback, defensive star or trading down, their decision will have a major impact on what happens early on in the 2016 NFL Draft.

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