Cleveland Browns 2012: Analysis of the Browns' Quarterback Posistion

The 2012 offseason is upon us and the Browns once again are debating the quarterback position. In what seems like a merry-go-round at the position since their return in 1999, the Browns are at it again. 

After a season and a half with Colt McCoy under center, the Browns are still not a playoff-caliber team. The upcoming free agent and draft pool at the QB position is very strong and has raised questions about Colt's future in Cleveland.

While the young quarterback from Texas has not lifted the city onto his shoulders yet, it is fair to say he is not the only reason the team isn't competing at a high level. 

We will be analyzing the current situation and discussing the top five options for the Cleveland Browns in 2012.

Current Roster

Current Quarterback Depth Chart:

1) Colt McCoy

2) Seneca Wallace

3) Thaddeus Lewis

The media, fans, and most likely the Browns' front office are constantly discussing the QB position. Colt McCoy has started 21 games in two seasons and has completed 59 percent of his passes and thrown for 20 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Although an 8-15 record isn't exactly what the Browns fans want, McCoy cannot be fully to blame.

Seneca Wallace is a solid backup quarterback who will likely stay with the team. Thaddeus Lewis, on the other hand, was a major disappointment and may be released soon.

Free Agents

Potential Free Agents:

Matt Flynn

In a one-game audition, Matt Flynn could not have performed any better. He has had proper tutoring under Coach Mike McCarthy and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and will not be elevated to a starting position unless for another team. 

Alex Smith

A former number one overall pick, Alex Smith struggled to find his groove in his earlier seasons. This past season, Smith got it together and led the 49ers to the NFC championship game. He has been well coached in the west-coast system and it will be interesting to see if he remains in San Francisco.

Peyton Manning

After the shocking news of his release, Manning will be quarterbacking a team other than the Colts for the first time in his career. There are maybe four or five teams that wouldn't be interested in the future hall of famer. 

Donovan McNabb

In what he says is his last run, McNabb will look to find a team in need of a veteran quarterback and make a final hurrah before retirement. 

Draft Class

Possible 2012 Draftees:

Andrew Luck

With the announcement of Peyton Manning's release, there is little doubt he will be the first overall selection by the Indianapolis Colts.

Robert Griffin III

The St. Louis Rams have announced that the second pick in the NFL draft is up for auction. This means RGIII will likely go second in the draft. 

He is an amazing talent and someone will move up to select him. The question is what they will need to give up to acquire the pick. This will be an interesting story moving forward.

Ryan Tannehill

Out of Texas A&M, Tannehill has been climbing up the draft boards. He is tall and has the prototypical quarterback skill set.

He has a chance to go in the first round, but with many quality free agents and as the third-ranked quarterback in the draft, it is likely he will be an early second round pick.

Ranking Quarterback Options for 2012

Now that we understand the quarterbacks that could be starting the 2012 season for the Cleveland Browns it is time to discuss what is best for them moving forward.

The next slides are the top five options for the Cleveland Browns. Although signing Manning would be wonderful, I don't see that happening.

5. Ryan Tannehill

Drafting Ryan Tannehill does not seem to be the best solution.

He is unproven and I can't say he will be that much better than McCoy. The Browns have many holes, and only a slight improvement over McCoy with such an early pick does not add up.

4) Matt Flynn

After his performance and tutelage in Green Bay, Matt Flynn will sign a Matt Cassel-like deal with a new team. Matt Cassel has not lived up to high expectations and with the amount of problems the Browns have, a risk like this is not what is needed. 

3) Alex Smith

Alex Smith has been taught the west-coast system and appears to have a firm grasp on the offense. He now has playoff experience and confidence.

If he were to leave San Fransisco, the Browns should take a serious look at him and let McCoy learn for a year or two instead of going through the same struggles that Smith did.

2) Robert Griffin III

In what would be the trade of the draft, the Browns would give up two of there top three picks (4,22,36) along with others, and would move up and select RGIII.

Although I agree he is an upgrade over McCoy, how much so is up for debate.

If he is as good or better than Cam Newton then the deal is a no-brainer, but if not, he only adds three to four wins to a very bad team and allows the team to add missing pieces through draft picks.

If the trade is made, I would suggest the Browns sign veteran Donovan McNabb to mentor him during the early stages.

I hope it works out for the best, but if not, I will be perfectly content with the following option.

1) Colt McCoy

As previously discussed, the Browns have many holes, and the draft is where you fill these holes.

After a stellar draft last season which netted the Browns a starting DT and DE along with the 22nd pick in this draft, the Browns can use their three early picks to make significant improvements. 

By keeping McCoy, the Browns can add Trent Richardson, a stud defensive and offensive lineman in the first 36 picks of the draft.

I firmly believe Trent Richardson is a better football player than RGIII, and he adds that dynamic factor the Browns are currently missing.