Colt McCoy: Why He'll Be the Cleveland Browns' Franchise QB for Years to Come

Before I declare Colt McCoy the Cleveland Browns' next franchise quarterback, we first have to examine what it takes to be a franchise QB. 

First off, a player deemed a "franchise player" must be a leader, there's no doubt about that. Everyone in the locker room must respect and believe in that player. He needs to be the type of player who is not afraid to voice his opinion or displeasure with fellow teammates. 

Secondly, the franchise quarterback has to be extremely competitive. He has to have the desire to win every game he plays—anything short of that is unacceptable to him.

The player doesn't have to be an athletic specimen (e.g. Brady Quinn) or have a rocket for an arm (e.g. Derek Anderson), but he needs to be football-smart with the drive and determination to incessantly watch game-film and fix flaws within his own game (or point out flaws in someone else's game).

Finally, his play must make everyone around him better, which is probably the toughest thing to do.

There are only a handful of quarterbacks in this league you can say that about. This is especially important at the quarterback position because the NFL has turned into a pass-first league. If a team's quarterback can make everyone everyone around him better, then the game-day advantage immediately goes to that team.

Deciding whether or not Colt McCoy is a future franchise quarterback is an interesting debate. On one hand, one could say that he's poised beyond his years and plays to win the game. But on the other hand, one could say he hasn't even made it through one full season yet, lost six of his eight starts last season and collegiate success doesn't always translate to the NFL.

I am going to take an optimistic point of view and declare Colt McCoy Cleveland's franchise quarterback for years to come.

Personally, I see a guy who has taken command of this team and offense. He was the leader of the team during the lockout, organizing multiple team camps to build camaraderie and get familiarized with the new playbook.

Since the start of training camp, minus a few practices, McCoy has been nothing but impressive. To be able to pick up a different offensive system this quick displays football smarts the team has not seen at the quarterback position in a very long time.

Also, I can't remember the last time Browns fans haven't been wondering who'll be the starting quarterback Week 1.

McCoy's teammates believe in him, the front office thinks he can be their guy and his coach raves about his QB acumen. So, when a quarterback is being supported by an entire organization, I would tend to believe he's on his way in becoming a franchise quarterback.

To naysayers and pessimistic Browns fans who will try to pull out stats to disprove my belief and stance, I have but only one set of statistics for the non-believers: During Colt's first three professional starts (Steelers, Patriots, Saints), he completed 67.6 percent of his passes with 529 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and, most importantly, two wins. 

With confidence, I can say that Colt is a winner, and nothing will ever change that.