Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken offered an early reality check on where rookie quarterback Taylen Green stands in the team’s crowded quarterback competition.
Green is getting the lion’s share of reps at rookie minicamp, but that opportunity comes largely by default. The only other quarterback on the field is Bryson Barnes, who is attending on a tryout basis. Once Cleveland transitions to OTAs and Green joins a full quarterback room that includes Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel, Monken made it clear that those opportunities will shrink.
“Obviously, this is the time for him to get reps. Once we get into OTAs, in another week, that’s really going to diminish,” Monken said. “You’re not going to see as much of him because of the numbers. But I’m excited for him. He’s a great kid, and everything we’d heard about him so far has been true.”
Browns See Upside With Taylen Green
The Browns selected Green with the No. 182 overall pick — the first selection of the sixth round — betting on one of the most explosive athletic profiles in the draft class.
At 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds, Green turned heads at the NFL Combine, posting a quarterback-record 43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump while running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash — the third-fastest ever recorded by a quarterback.
Green’s production across stops at Boise State and Arkansas was equally intriguing. In 53 collegiate games, he threw for 9,662 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions while adding 2,405 rushing yards and 35 rushing scores.
While Green may not be the starter in the conversation, Monken remains open to using him situationally.
“Anybody with that kind of athleticism, I think there would be a possibility,” Monken said. “Whether it’s short yardage, you know, once you get in the low red zone, maybe some third down stuff that we could utilize.
“You can see that already and there’s still a next jump that he can make. It’s exciting to have him out here and let him just play through some things.”
Browns QB Taylen Green: Nobody Moves Like Me
Green isn’t short on confidence. The rookie knows exactly how unusual his skill set is, and he didn’t hesitate when asked whether there’s an NFL quarterback he compares to.
“To be honest, no,” Green said. “I would say of course Lamar, but he ain’t 6′6″. Josh Allen is close, but I’m 230. He’s like 260. My dad says Randall Cunningham-ish. I really don’t think there’s anybody like me. Not in a cocky way or anything — just confidence. There’s nobody that moves like me, that’s as tall as me.”
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Green entering the draft was ball security. Over his final two college seasons, he accounted for 37 turnovers — 20 interceptions and 17 fumbles.
“I’ve got to do a better job of securing the ball,” he said. “It’s my responsibility. Every single play, I have the responsibility to hold the ball or carry the ball. Every single play, I touch the ball. That’s one of the perks of quarterback. The ball is the team, the team is the ball. So just take more responsibility and be more aware of those things.”
Green will continue to take advantage of his reps during rookie camp, which runs through May 10.
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