Every single NFL draft in the past decade or so has seemed to have a “franchise quarterback” or two (or three, four, five...). With the Cleveland Browns needing a QB, this year’s NFL draft has most believing there is just one certainty at the position, Cam Ward, with Shedeur Sanders having some fans as well.
After those two, there are three prospects that have been given attention as potential first or second-round picks: Jalen Milroe,Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough. All three have concerns. Milroe is raw as a passer, Dart’s college system (among other things) has many pushing back on his hype and Shough gives off Brandon Weeden vibes with his age (as well as limited success until late in his college career).
We’ve connected Milroe to the Browns since early in the offseason and recently. That new Cleveland OC Tommy Rees coached him in college only strengthened that possibility.
While many have understandable concerns about Milroe’s passing, QB expert Greg Cosell says the tape showed improvement last year while, like many, focusing on Milroe’s running ability:
The comparison to Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-winning quarterback, is not a new one but continues to be of interest. Hurts, much like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, got his feet wet in the NFL by relying on his legs. Milroe may need to do the same thing, but it would be best to sit for at least a season while being used in a package of plays.
Cosell is not alone in seeing improvement. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports sees a number of reasons that Milroe should be drafted in the first round:
It’s why we should prioritize process over results.
And because of the lacking strength at the quarterback position in this draft, Milroe having superior traits to his contemporaries, the enormous financial advantage a club can obtain if it hits on a quarterback it drafted, and what should be a steadfast avoidance of recency bias, the Alabama quarterback should be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Browns fans want a sure thing, which Milroe clearly is not. Assuming any of the other quarterbacks in this draft are sure things would also be unwise.
At a base level, Milroe has certainty with his running ability but the big question is if he can continue to develop. Cosell says his tape in 2024 shows improvement while it was clear at the NFL combine and his Pro Day that his work ethic is leading to better footwork as well.
For his part, Milroe loves the idea of joining Cleveland but does not see himself as a savior. Instead, the quarterback wants to be a part of a team effort to turn things around.
Where would you select Milroe? Do you think any of the quarterbacks in this draft are a version of a sure thing? Share your thoughts in our comment section below.
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