Colt McCoy: Why He Will Start in 2011 For The Cleveland Browns

While the mainstream media wants you to believe that it always rains in Cleveland, the future looks sunny for one Cleveland Browns prospect - quarterback Colt McCoy.

President Mike Holmgren stated McCoy won't see much action on the field in his first season, but there is a very strong case to believe that Colt will see the field as early as 2011, and an even stronger one that says he will succeed.

Improved Offensive Line

It's been years since Cleveland has been known for their offensive line, but 2011 will feature youth and power like never before seen. It's no secret that the play of the linemen impacts the passing, as well as the running game.

Anchoring the line are draft picks in recent years like perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, future Pro Bowl, and quickly progressing center Alex Mack, and hard-working, promising Samoan guard Shawn Lauvao.

With the care and attention that president Mike Holmgren has previously shown, and continues to show in improving the offensive trenches. Don't expect those three to be the last young additions.

A Year of Mentoring

Mike Holmgren is widely known in the NFL as a quarterback guru. His guidance will help Colt immensely.

In addition, while Jake Delhomme's physical tools are a question mark, there's nothing wrong with the mental aspect that made him a Pro Bowl quarterback. Colt will have a year in the system learning how to pass and read a defense from Jake Delhomme, while Seneca Wallace will help him improve his ability to roll-out and scramble down-field.

As a third round pick, McCoy is considered a low-risk, high-reward prospect. He'll have the luxury of taking his time and learning instead of being thrown to the wolves early like previous Cleveland quarterbacks.

Improved Running Game

The addition of second-round pick Montario Hardesty and power back Peyton Hillis to an already eighth-ranked rushing game with Jerome Harrison, makes for a formidable attack.

In 2011, Hardesty and 2009 draft pick James Davis will both have a year in the system under their belts and will be primed to have a breakout year.

A good running game takes the pressure off a young quarterback like nothing else, much like Ray Rice has done for Joe Flacco in Baltimore and Michael Turner has done for Matt Ryan in Atlanta. Expect McCoy to be the beneficiary of a top 10 running game for years to come.

Experienced Receivers

McCoy will benefit greatly from the now two seasons of experience of Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, as well as a season under the belt for deep threat Carlton Mitchell.

He will also have an up and coming tight end, who worked out great with former passer Brady Quinn, in Evan Moore set to enter his prime. While it seems odd to say Cleveland will have a solid receiving core, that's exactly what 2011 may hold.

Proven Winner

Colt McCoy has more awards than any player in recent NCAA memory, not to mention he is the single most-winning quarterback in college history. McCoy is a fierce competitor and does whatever it takes to win, don't expect him to stop now at the NFL level.

# 2006 Valero Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP
# 2008 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP
# 2008 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by AP
# 2008 co-Sporting News Player of the Year
# 2008 Heisman Memorial Trophy Runner-up
# 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP
# 2009 First-team All-American by AP
# 2009 First-team All-Big 12
# 2009 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
# 2009 NCAA Quarterback of the Year
# 2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
# 2009 Sporting News College Athlete of the Year
# 2009 AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Year

"To me, Colt is Drew Brees on the field and Drew Brees off the field. But he's about two and a half inches taller and he's faster." - Jon Gruden, NFL analyst/former NFL coach

“The guy who retired from coaching and heads the Cleveland Browns now asked me who I’d take… I told him if you draft Colt McCoy and run the West Coast Offense, you’re going to forget about Joe Montana." - Gil Brandt, NFL analyst/former NFL coach

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