The Cleveland Browns, after losing out in the Robert Griffin III sweepstakes along with the lack of interest in free agent quarterback Matt Flynn stand on the brink of making an absurd pick in the up-coming NFL Draft. Quarterback choices are rapidly dwindling, somewhat like the blue light specials at Wal-Mart, causing quarterbacks projected to go in later rounds to propel to higher levels due to demand. The Browns possess the coveted fourth pick in the draft, will they do as many have suggested and pay "top dollar" for an item that earlier was on the bargain shelf--that item being Ryan Tannehill?
This by no means is a "put down" of Tannehill, who is a talented young man and very athletic, however is he worth it. Tannehill, who was a wide receiver before becoming quarterback of the Texas A&M Aggies has played a total of 20 games at the most valuable position--20 games? He performed well, passing for 3,744 yards with 29 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and completing 61.6 percent of his passes--not bad, but hardly worth being grabbed at the #4 spot of the up-coming draft.
Tannehill has risen rapidly up the draft charts partially due to his talent, but primarily due to Griffin III and Andrew Luck already being "penciled in" to be selected #1 and #2, a climb that can be attributed to being one of the only ones left available.
Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has many critics that suggest he should be replaced, however to his defense there are many that will point to dropped passes, protection problems and poor play-calling as part of his struggles. Any thought that bringing in Tannehill, who at best is a project QB, would be an up-grade over McCoy is merely wishful thinking.
As I stated, this is no slight against Tannehill, however if rumors are true that the Browns are targeting Tannehill--they need to come out of the "bargain basement" mentality, wait to see if he falls in the draft (where he belongs) and snag him.
Drafting Tannehill at #4 would merely be a sign of desperation, use the pick to improve another position in an offense that needs many improvements. Surely Holmgren and Heckert have heard of "investment and return"!
