WE'RE BACK BABY!

Sorry for the massive delay in posting. The depression of the season mixed with the overwhelming amount of game day coverage has left us uninspired. However, it is now the NFL offseason, or as we like to call it, the "Season of Hope" for Browns fans. It is our opinion here at SBS that the Browns will never really have hope until they find a "Franchise" quarterback. You might be asking yourself what a "Franchise" QB is. The answer is complicated. Unfortunately, it is one of those situtations where you know when you don't have one, but never sure if you do, until you do.

You might be asking yourself... what are the Browns options at the most important of all positions? At this time, there are many options available to the Browns, but I believe only 2 viable options. As you may have heard me mention, I do not believe that Colt McCoy is a guy that will be a difference maker for the Browns. As such, we need to upgrade the position, or at least bring someone in to compete with Colt and develope.

Here are the most realistic options as I see them:

Option 1: Keep Colt and do nothing

As I indicated above, I do not think this is a viable option for the offensively challenged Browns. I like Colt alot as a person and think he has all the heart and leadership abilities in the world. However, he does not have the physical skills to be an elite QB in the NFL. He can win some games sure, but we need a guy we can count on to make plays and change the outlook of this team for the next decade. Having said that, I am not advocating that we get rid of Colt. He is an above average backup and can continue to get better by sitting, just like our next option... Matt Flynn.

Option 2: Sign Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn was a 7th round draft pick out of LSU in 2008 by the Packers to be Aaron Rodger's (RODGERS!!!!). Flynn has lit up two playoff caliber teams in his 2 career starts with the Packers since being drafted. However, some of the reasons that he was a 7th round draft pick still exist in his game today. Mainly, he does not have a great arm and is surrounded by superbowl caliber talent in Green Bay, which makes him look better.

On January 1, 2012, Flynn threw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns in the 45-41 victory against the Lions. He could not have picked a better time to set Packers' franchise records, as he was heading to free agency and looking for a starting job and a big payday. While I think Matt Flynn is a serviceable QB, it seems to me that he is exactly what Colt McCoy could become with a little more experience and a better supporting cast. As such, I don't see the point in signing Flynn at a sizeable cost to not be great.

Option 3: RGIII

No player has received more hype in the last two weeks than Baylor's Robert Griffin III. Griffen, who ran a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash has a cannon for an arm, is elusive and came in bigger than anticipated at a hair over 6'2". Many people will argue that his height and weight is a problem, as he will take hits down field, and expose himself to injury like Mike Vick has done. It should be noted that RGIII is significantly bigger than Mike Vick. In fact, RGIII is about the same size as Matt Flynn and Aaron Rodgers.

RGIII did not have any major injuries in college, where he threw the ball exceptionally well for a guy that many considered to be a running QB. He throws the ball with ease and has the best down field accuracy I have seen in college in a long time. People who say that he might get hurt are 1) stating the obvious (any QB could get hit the wrong way and get hurt... see 2010 high ankle sprain epidemic) or 2) are simply too scared to draft another QB high after the failure of the only other highly drafted QB since our return. Tim Couch.

If RGIII is available when the Browns draft at 4, it is a no brainer. However, St. Louis who has the 2nd pick in the draft is publically trying to trade the pick. It is widely believed that Washington and Cleveland are the favorites to move up to draft RGIII. Miami is also considered a possibility.

I would be willing to trade two first round picks and a mid round pick to St. Louis. I don't care if the second first round pick is our #22 this year or our first next year. For the sake of enjoying next year's draft however, I'm rooting for #4 and #22 this year.

Option 4: Ryan Tannehill

Assuming we are unable to get RGIII, my vote is to trade down a few spots from #4 and drafting Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M. After playing WR for A&M, he switched to QB during the 2010 season. While he is raw, he has tremendous athletic ability and his ceiling is considerably higher than Colt or Flynn. By trading down, or even drafting Tannehill at 4, we would keep and/or add to our additional arsenal of draft picks, allowing us to select playmakers at WR at #22 or #37.

The Decision

Not that decision... If I am Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren, I am trying to do just about anything to secure RG III in this draft. RG III would provide an imediate upgrade at the decision and excite the fan base. While he has some learning to do from a system perspective, he is a smart, hard working kid, that should be able to pick up the WCO on the fly. If we are unable to move up to #2, I would select Tannehill and let him sit behind Colt for a season.

With free agency starting next week, the QB picture will change for some teams. Where Peyton Manning plays will have a big impact. Lets hope he goes to Washington and Flynn rejoins his QB coach in Miami.

-Eric