The Cleveland Browns after completing their rookie mini-camp over the weekend will now be throwing the veterans into the mix. Media outlets have quickly began their assault for ratings regarding the Browns with headlines such as "QB competition heats up this week", "Colt McCoy Vs. Brandon Weeden" and several others that would have a WWE promoter green with envy. News about Trent Richardson, the Browns #3 pick is shadowed by the up-coming saga--the latest soap opera--let the drama begin and the ratings climb. Yes, who needs Dallas and J.R. when we have--well, probably nothing. Is there really a quarterback competition in Cleveland?

Setting aside the latest headlines over the weekend which have been focused on Brandon Weedens incredible arm strength, taking snaps under center and his "command" of the huddle which he got outstanding points for, let us step into reality for one second. Performing, 7 on 7, on a bright sunny day with a red shirt on meaning that anyone who harms you will receive a one-way ticket to Siberia means very little, a "showcase" where the likes of Ryan Leaf would be impressive. On to the quarterback competition!

Seneca Wallace:

Although I cannot be considered a fan of Seneca in the past this is merely because I never was a fan of a team he played for, before the Browns. Of all three candidates Wallace is by far the most experienced in the WCO (West Coast Offense). He has been a career backup who has shown he is a mobile QB capable of being an effective backup. Labeling Wallace as "career backup" material along with some negative press he has received, which the justification of such press is questionable, will remove Wallace from the so-called competition--be it fair or not! I do not see Wallace as a "long-term" solution, however given his experience he does deserve a shot at starting QB.

Colt McCoy:

McCoy struggled last season for numerous reasons. Those throwing their support in Colts corner are quick to state problems with receivers dropping the ball, lack of protection, lack of a running game and of course questionable play-calling. Those who have closed the book on McCoy counter with lack of arm strength, poor decision making, leaving the pocket to soon and accuracy problems. Supporters want McCoy to be given a fair shake--see what he can do with the improvements (hopefully) achieved via the draft--it is doubtful this will happen (see conclusion).

Brandon Weeden:

Quarterback experts, such as sports writers and bloggers have already declared Weeden as the Browns starter. The love-fest continues with declarations about his extreme accuracy--yes I saw the clay pigeon thing--along with what has been referred to as incredible arm strength, yes a cannon of an arm. Before we all get "giddy" over this let us remember that this has yet to be displayed in actual combat (regular season). It is possible that the talents Weeden does possess will translate to the NFL, however there have been many that did not--too soon to crown him!

Conclusion:

When Weeden arrived on the scene it placed the Browns brain trust in an "enough of the excuses" situation. If in a "head to head" competition Wallace came out on top, how would Holmgren and Heckert explain a 1st and 3rd round QB pick riding the pine while a "career backup" leads the way? Lets say McCoy comes out on top, how would they justify spending a 1st round pick for Weeden to sit the bench. Any statements regarding the need for the 1st rounder to sit and learn would immediately be met with examples of Dalton, Newton, RG3, along with Wallace and McCoy nay-sayers asking exactly who he is going to learn from. In the 3rd year of his five year plan Mike Holmgren, considered by many to be a QB guru needs Weeden to start--somewhat making up for his supposedly failed pick of Colt McCoy.

One more thought, talk about a soap opera--what if Thaddeus Lewis comes out on top!!!