Cleveland Browns: Mike Mayock Advise Their QB Choice

The Cleveland Browns have never had such a glorious opportunity to turn their franchise around. After years of frustration, 2018 sets up perfectly.

They have two picks in the top five, including #1 overall. They also have three picks in the second round. That is a monumental assemblage of wealth that can bring about an infusion of young talent seldom seen in the NFL. If done right, of course. This is partially why the Browns hired John Dorsey this off-season. He’s a veteran GM with a strong reputation following him from Kansas City. He has the experience and knowledge to make this work.

Of course, nothing will set the tone more for this draft than what he does with that first pick. Thus far Cleveland has spent that selection three times in the Super Bowl era. All three since 1999. To date, none have reached a single Pro Bowl. The inability to hit on the highest pick in the draft basically underscores why this team has made the playoffs just once since coming back into existence.

Everybody knows they’ll go for a quarterback, it’s just a matter of who that will be. Knowing their history well, draft expert Mike Mayock claims their choice is clear.

Browns need to take the safe route and go with Sam Darnold

"“My gut tells me that if you’re choosing between the two, Allen might have the higher ceiling,” Mayock said. “But you’ve swung and missed so many times in Cleveland at quarterback, can you afford another one with the first pick? Your first pick has to set the tone. I think at the end of the day, it’s Sam Darnold.He’s got a little Brett Favre in him, which I think John likes,” Mayock said. “John likes a little swagger.”"

The Favre name drop should be considered interesting. Darnold is indeed a bit of a gunslinger. The tape alone proves that. He also seems to have that natural swagger the Hall of Famer did. It’s worth noting because before becoming a GM Dorsey came up through the ranks with the Green Bay Packers. Few men have a more intensive knowledge of Favre than him. If he agrees at all with Mayock’s assessment, then Darnold would certainly be the favorite.

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He’s certainly the safer pick, ironic as that sounds. His numbers reflect a player who was productive and accurate. Two issues that won’t go away with Allen. Nobody will fault the Browns at all if they decide to go with the more proven guy.