Opinion: The focus of the Browns quarterback watch

The NFL Combine activities have taken off, inviting more than 300 of the best college football players. The players are not only competing for their dreams of putting on an NFL uniform, some are competing for draft positions, which in return could mean a larger check.

A lot is at stake for these players, as all of their training has come down to this one week.

As for the Cleveland Browns, since they currently hold the second pick, the Combine will be used to answer some questions of who will be the team’s selection in the first round. According to multiple reports, the Browns will select a quarterback with that pick.

The idea of drafting a quarterback in the first round may sound like nails on a chalkboard for die-hard fans. Only four quarterbacks have been selected by the Browns in the first round since the team’s return in 1999.

The two quarterback prospects to look out for are Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. Both are competing to be the Browns’ next starter and hopefully first success story.

Goff is a 6’4”, 215-pound quarterback from the University of California. According to NFL.com, his professional potential is compared to Atlanta Falcons franchise quarterback Matt Ryan. Goff is calm in the pocket, and while his arm doesn’t impress, he has the ability to put the ball in tight windows and still be successful. Goff totaled 96 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in his collegiate career.

Carson Wentz is a 6’5”, 230-pound quarterback out of North Dakota State University. Wentz has been compared to the likes of Cam Newton and Andrew Luck, who were both very young and successful quarterbacks in the NFL. During his college career Wentz racked up 45 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Wentz’s only drawback is the lack of competition at the college level, which might scare off the Browns scouts.

Both quarterbacks are likely to have successful careers in the NFL, so the decision for the Browns will come down to their workouts and mental evaluations. The 40-times and shuttles mean absolutely nothing if the Browns draft another player who has zero interest in winning or the team.

If the Browns want to get their quarterback of the future, they should go with Wentz. Coming from a small town, Cleveland will feel like New York City to him. Wentz will carry the chip of being from a smaller school and town with him in his play. If you ask me, he sounds too perfect for Cleveland.

Carson Wentz is highly intelligent, and with the correct supporting cast around him, he will flourish.

Ty Sugick is a columnist for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].