2012 NFL Draft: Mayock, McShay Urge Cleveland Browns to Take Ryan Tannehill

The Cleveland Browns front office has given little indication of what it intends to do on draft day.

But that isn't keeping the draft wonks from dipping their toes into the opinion pool and urging the Browns to select Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock called Tannehill a "franchise quarterback" in a story in Thursday's Plain Dealer.

Mayock started gushing about Tannehill, who has started only 19 college games, following the quarterback's pro day.

"I think Cleveland has to take him at No. 4 and maybe even three."

The Browns, who also have the 22nd pick in the first round, would have to trade up to secure the third pick in the draft, which is currently owned by the Minnesota Vikings.

Browns fans are clamoring for a franchise quarterback. Cleveland made a play to try to trade up to secure the St. Louis Rams' No. 2 pick and take Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, but lost out in the bidding war to Washington.

Tannehill, a converted receiver, threw for 3,744 yards in 2011 to go with 29 touchdowns and 15 picks. At. 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds he has the size and arm strength NFL front offices pine for. He did not partake in the NFL combine because of a foot injury, but his stock is on the rise following a pro day in which he completed 65-of-68 passes.

A feat that was completed against "air" as noted by ESPN 850 sports call-in host Bruce Hooley.

Mayock isn't alone in his opinion that the Browns should aim to secure  Tannehill. ESPN's Todd McShay is quoted on the  Plain Dealer's website as saying thay Cleveland should seriously consider drafting Tannehill.

"I don't think the difference between Robert Griffin III and Tannehill is all that big, I really don't,'' ESPN's Todd McShay said on a conference call today. "I'd have a very difficult time passing on him at that No. 4 pick. I just think he has everything you look for in a future franchise quarterback if you develop him properly and you're willing to be patient.''

The Browns have indicated they would be comfortable with starting the 2012 campaign with Colt McCoy as the starter. McCoy was ineffective last year and many question his arm strength. He also appeared skittish in the pocket at times. McCoy supporters say he deserves another year and that his development was hampered by a weak offensive line and a lack of weapons at receiver and running back.

While McShay and Mayock are considered amongst the shrewdest evaluators of college talent, ESPN 850 Tony Grossi pointed out that Mayock's talent evaluation of quarterbacks can be questioned.

"I respect Mike Mayock of NFL Network a whole bunch," Grossi said. "I really do. But when he says the Browns have to take Tannehill at No. 4, I cringe.

"I can’t help but recall Mayock's evaluation of the Quarterback Class of 2011. I watched Mayock every night a year ago and he consistently said that Blaine Gabbert was the better pick over Cam Newton. In Mayock's parlance, that's what you call a terrible misread," Grossi wrote on the station's website.

There is speculation that the Miami Dolphins may try to make a deal to lock up Tannehill. The Dolphins hired Mike Sherman to be their offensive coordinator this offseason. Sherman coached Tannehill at Texas A&M.