Cleveland Browns: 2018 NFL Draft can secure future success

Draft a QB at No. 1 overall

This isn’t exactly breaking news considering the moves they just made and how NFL teams must succumb to the notion that drafting a running back first overall is taboo. Still, newly acquired quarterback Tyrod Taylor is nothing more than a stopgap for whoever the Browns decide to take in the upcoming NFL draft. It’s not disrespecting to the seven-year vet, but he has a career-high 20 touchdowns and threw just 14 last season.

He’s a safe bet, however, since he became the Bills starter he’s thrown just 16 interceptions in the last three seasons with 51 touchdowns. His ability to run adds a dynamic that would help mask any offensive line deficiencies and he’ll move the chains on third downs. So, with the first overall pick, the Cleveland Browns should select USC quarterback, Sam Darnold.

While a number of draft experts believe UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen is more NFL ready than any other quarterback in the draft, it’s the same reason he isn’t the right fit for the Browns. While Rosen is a great, smart talent a number of scouts have Darnold rated as the top quarterback and it has everything to do with his ceiling.

In fact, NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah says that Darnold’s floor, and ceiling is what makes him one the best quarterback prospects he’s scouted in three years:

"“I gave him the same grade that I gave Carson Wentz, so he would be tied at ,the top for me (since 2015),” Jeremiah told the Browns in-house radio show Cleveland Browns Daily. “He’s as good as any of the quarterbacks in the last three drafts.”"

With Taylor under center in year one or even year two, the Browns could take their time and build a solid core for Darnold to take over. Taylor can win them games now while taking a beating as his successor is being groomed.