Days on the calendar continue to be checked off as we approach the NFL Draft which begins on April 26th. And as we move through the pro day schedule for college NFL hopefuls, it is becoming very clear that the Cleveland Browns will be targeting a QB in the early rounds.

The C.S.I television franchise has made millions of dollars depicting forensic evidence solving interesting crimes. But you don’t have to know how to use a centrifuge, or DNA analysis computer program to see the pattern that is forming here. So let us take a moment to examine the timeline that points to the Browns search for a quarterback.

First we have the failed attempt by the Browns to move up from the 4th overall pick, to the 2nd overall pick to grab Baylor QB Robert Griffin III. The failure to outbid the Redskins for the Rams 2nd overall pick has been well publicized. And regardless of what Holmgren, or Heckert may say about Colt McCoy, it is clear that they had interest in the Baylor standout.

Next we have the recent rumors that have been coming from league sources with the Rams that the Browns may have had interest in acquiring Sam Bradford. Browns Head coach Pat Shurmur was Bradford’s offensive coordinator during his rookie season. There is also some information that indicates that Mike Holmgren did try to trade up to grab Bradford during the 2010 draft.

Following the Bradford rumors was the appearance of Shurmur, and Holmgren at Ryan Tannehill’s pro day. The Texas A&M standout had an excellent pro day and did well in improving his draft stock. And with the members of the Browns “Brain Trust” attending Tannehill’s workout, it at the very least indicates an interest.

Now even more evidence builds as Mark Whipple (Browns quarterbacks coach) attended the workout of the Arizona signal caller Brock Osweiler’s workout at ASU on Friday. Whipple is known for his expert knowledge of quarterbacks, and was pivotal in the development of Ben Roethlisberger at Pittsburgh. Osweiler also had an outstanding workout, and did his due diligence to improve upon his draft stock.

Finally we come to Brandon Weeden. Heckert himself has said after the NFL combine that he was impressed with the 28-year-old QB. And according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, “most” of the Cleveland Browns staff was in attendance at Oklahoma’s pro day. Granted there was another reason to attend, (a.k.a WR Justin Blackmon) but Weeden also drew attention from the Browns.

Mike Holmgren has stated on numerous occasions that every year he likes to draft a quarterback. And any chance he gets to “add to the pile” he will. But you do not spend so much time at the top of the quarterback class unless you plan on drafting one of them. The media has put a great deal of emphasis on the Browns needing a QB, and it appears the Browns agree. Despite their vocal support for Colt McCoy they may be working on showing him the bench. A move that I personally feel would be a mistake and Browns own Vic Carucci agrees. Hopefully this is much ado about nothing and the Browns will make the right selection on draft day.

Michael W. Youngman

(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)