The Cleveland Browns are officially on the clock for the 2017 NFL Draft. With so many needs, the Browns needs a lot of help all over the board. And there’s no better way to start a rebuild than with the most important position in sports, quarterback. Options are plentiful across the big board, and the Browns will benefit the most from taking the best quarterback available. And though many considered Clemson’s Deshaun Watson as that player, numerous mock drafters have recently shifted their loving gaze to a different prospect. Enter North Carolina Tar Heel quarterback and Cleveland native, Mitch Trubisky.
Why The Cleveland Browns Should Draft Mitch Trubisky
Raw Physical Ability
Trubisky is, despite his “Best Quarterback Available” status, still incredibly raw. He only started for one year at UNC and then declared for the draft early. And yet, many draft analysts say that he’s the best signal caller in the 2017 class. Why? Simply put, Trubisky has tremendous upside.
Trubisky has prototypical size (6’3″, 220 pounds) and a great arm. Film does show that Trubisky has a bit of a hitch in his throw, despite a great spiral. However, that hitch can be easily remedied by a great offensive mind (that may or may not be Hue Jackson). Trubisky is just really good with the ball in his hands, and knows how much to put on each and every throw. He can throw short, medium, and long balls in any direction he wants.
Quarterback Smarts
Mitch Trubisky, from his work on the field, simply must be a pretty intelligent guy. He knows exactly where the ball needs to be, and when it needs to be there. To be cliché, he’s a “cerebral assassin” type of player. Except with a twist: unlike most normally cerebral players, Trubisky has the tools to win by brute force as well. He can throw the long ball, but he can also throw his receivers open on short passes.
Mitch Trubisky might be raw, but the skills are already there and taking shape. In addition, he has no off the field issues. Trubisk seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and is willing to learn. Hue Jackson’s work with him could make him a great quarterback at the next level.
Tools for the Job?
If the Browns are going to address the offense with their first pick, they should really go all out. The first round will be absolutely loaded with great talent, especially on the offensive side. But going with Trubisky for the first pick begs the question: “Who is he going to throw to?”
Other than Terrelle Pryor, Cleveland’s receivers weren’t exactly stellar in 2016. Corey Coleman and the aforementioned Pryor are a good start, but by no means are they superstars like Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham.
Mitch Trubisky needs someone to throw to, and, after selecting a player with the first overall pick, the Browns don’t pick again until 12. And this is actually a nearly perfect situation. Not many teams are willing to spend high picks on receivers, and although top prospect Mike Williams out of Clemson might be gone, Cleveland will still have plenty of options when they pick again at 12.
Western Michigan’s Corey Davis has been touted all year as a first-rounder, and Washington’s John Ross really made a name for himself this year. Whoever the Browns might take with their second pick in the first round, they’ll need to get Trubisky a true number two receiver to go alongside Pryor or Coleman.
Hometown Hero
Mitch Trubisky was born in Mentor, Ohio, a 30-minute drive from Cleveland. Mentor High School was Trubisky’s athletic and academic home before North Carolina. This would be an emotional pick for the Browns, and many Cleveland fans will immediately draw a comparison to LeBron James of the Cavaliers.
Trubisky may not be at the highest level of athletes like James, but the comparison still holds if he can succeed in the NFL. While being from the area doesn’t raise his draft stock, it’s still nice from an emotional perspective. Many Browns fans would connect with Trubisky immediately because he “gets” them.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
Mitch Trubisky is a big, mentally tough kid with a big arm. He’s calm, cool, and collected in the pocket, and can get out when he needs to. He’s from the area so fans will connect with him. There’s no doubt that he’s a franchise quarterback, but he’ll need weapons around him as well. There is a bit of Ben Roethlisberger in him, and fans should hope he pans out just the same way if the Browns draft him. He could potentially be a franchise changer. Although only time will tell, and fans just have to hope that the Browns can finally make the right call.
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