Cleveland Browns: 2018 Depth chart and roster analysis, Quarterbacks
By Backwoods
Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey has quickly put his stamp on the roster and it’s been a mighty big one. Taking a pre-draft look at the quarterbacks.
Without a solid understanding of the entirety of NFL team rosters, new players are often little more than unfamiliar names to fans. The Cleveland Browns will have a completely new look come the start of the 2018 season and many fans don’t know what to expect.
A grand total of 12, or 13 — or let’s just go with a lot — of players have been added through trades and free agency. The 2018 NFL Draft is just around the corner and we are currently set to yeild an additional lot of players.
It is way too early in the process to have much, if any, certainty in starting roles. Coaches will move players around to find their best fits as they progress through the offseason work. They too, must learn who these guys are and what they offer.
That said, we can work up some logical expectations. The goal here is to familiarize ourselves with the roster and anticipate what the depth chart may look like this year. This segment, our focus is solely on the quarterbacks — but keep posted, I will soon get into the other positions as well. So, let’s take a look at the new Cleveland Browns team.
Quarterbacks
QB1 – Tyrod Taylor
Unless you have been living under a Dawg bowl, you have likely heard that Tyrod Taylor has officially been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns 2018 campaign.
This is no surprise, as you have also likely heard that any rookie quarterback brought in through the draft will not be forced into action and preferably will sit for the entirety of the season.
Taylor brings an exciting and efficient game and is certainly capable of holding down the fort until the franchise guy is ready. He may indeed be suited for a longer term as top dawg, but that won’t be likely to happen in Cleveland with “Mr. Franchise” soon to be in the mix.
QB2 – Drew Stanton
Stanton was a free agent signing by way of Arizona that caught most of us off guard. He has several years under his belt as a backup to Carson Palmer and will likely fill the same role in Cleveland.
He has struggled with a horrible completion percentage the last few years, but also comes with a ringing endorsement from former Arizona Cardinals head coach, Bruce Arians.
I see him as a player-coach type that will be instrumental in developing whichever rookie is brought in through the draft. Stanton will be the one who can fill the ear of the young quarterback in real game time with every aspect, each step along the way.
QB3 – Mr. Franchise
John Dorsey and the decision makers are certainly the hottest band in the land and fans are dying to hear their first hit. Let’s just hope it is not a miss. The most likely options include Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Baker Mayfield. Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph have also come up in conversation, but realistically It will be one of the top four.
With any luck, the preseason will be the only chance we have to see the already-christened franchise-savior. No pressure, no pressure at all.
QB? – Kevin Hogan
In all reality, Kevin Hogan now serves as little more than late-round trade bait. Expect to see his name thrown in the mix involving a trade to move up a few spots in the late rounds or to sweeten the pot if a deal is close.
Teams may have some interest in bringing him in for a long look, but are not likely to offer much in return. If no trade partners appear, he will likely be cut at some point before the start of the season.
Update: Kevin Hogan has received permission to seek a trade. No shock here, he wants a chance to play and likely will not find one in Cleveland.
Other options:
As we say in the backwoods, take a two-fer. Okay, that may have more to do with cold beverages, but don’t rule out the possibility of a draft including two quarterback selections.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection
A two-fer is highly unlikely after the signing of Stanton, as roster spots are in high demand, but stranger things have happened. Do you recall a two-fer draft involving RGIII and what was his name — oh that’s right, Kirk Cousins.
In summary, I could walk into a strangers home and find as many familiar faces as you will likely see in the Cleveland Browns quarterback room for 2018. They each have a role to fill and fans will soon see for themselves what these guys bring to the Dawg Pound.