NFL Rumors: Pressure Mounting on Brandon Weeden to Be Browns Starting QB in 2012

Brandon Weeden is the expected answer for the Cleveland Browns under center in 2012 and beyond. At least that's the impression the team's general manager, Tom Heckert, is sending.

According to May Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Heckert addressed Weeden earlier this week:

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"The best guy is going to play, and we fully expect Brandon to be that guy," Heckert told a small group of reporters before his keynote address at the Akron Browns Backers Banquet at Tangier Restaurant. "That's our goal, is to have him be the guy."

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With that said, the pressure continues to build on Weeden to win the starting job this offseason. OTAs are finally underway and we'll get a quick glimpse of the Browns' quarterback competition before training camp.

As for Weeden, let's take a look at the pressure surrounding him and how the rookie can overcome these circumstances.

Expectations

It's an interesting situation between Weeden and the Browns right now, because Heckert wants him to be the guy and Cleveland drafted the former Oklahoma State quarterback in Round 1.

The pressure from being the expected starter obviously comes with having that first-round label, but it also significantly reduces Weeden's room for error. Cleveland hasn't had a franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar, who last took snaps for the Browns in 1993, and the Browns need Weeden to develop.

If Weeden fails to be the guy, he'll get lumped in with the Tim Couchs and Derek Andersons of recent Browns' quarterback flops. Cleveland has hardly seen success since returning to the league in 1999 and patience is a thing of the past.

Although the Browns resided in arguably the NFL's most difficult division, continuing to lose will simply put Cleveland back into another rebuilding session.

Development

Turning 29 years old after the season begins, Brandon Weeden's potential and time to develop is limited by comparison to other NFL rookie quarterbacks.

Now, provided he produces well, the man has a solid 10 years to orchestrate the Browns' offense. Fortunately, Weeden saw great success in college and possesses the arm strength and mechanics to make all the throws.

It's also a favorable offensive system, as Weeden can gradually get acclimated under center while working comfortably from shotgun. But because the Browns are also such a good fit, Weeden will be expected to develop even faster than most.

Quick drop-backs, reads and releases are needed to move the ball effectively for coach Pat Shurmur, and Weeden has to make Cleveland's receivers better. The Browns don't have a guy that can consistently beat single coverage so Weeden has to be a spot-on marksman with each pass.

Presenting a Balanced Attack

At No. 3 overall and 19 spots ahead of Weeden, the Browns selected Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Richardson is by a wide-margin the best running back entering the NFL and he's the expected franchise ball carrier to build the offense around.

Weeden's job as the expected quarterback is to present a strong enough passing attack that defenses will actually honor Cleveland's aerial assault. For as amazing as Richardson can be, his production will be limited if defenses constantly stack the box.

The Browns have to field a balanced attack and Weeden at the helm is more threatening than Colt McCoy or Seneca Wallace. Lest we forget, but Weeden tossed for over 9,000 yards between 2010 and 2011 while also connecting on almost 70 percent of his throws during that span.

He also had Justin Blackmon to target, however, Richardson in the backfield is a better substitute. If Weeden fails to be effective in the passing game though, Richardson won't be able to take over games in the second half and the Browns will be back to square one.

All this said, Weeden cannot ride the pine, otherwise Cleveland's immediate future has no legitimate hope for success.

John Rozum on Twitter.