The Cleveland Browns were quick to address the idea of quarterback Taylen Green changing positions after taking him in the sixth round.
Cleveland selected Green No. 182 with the first pick in the sixth round. The Browns add Green to a quarterback room that includes Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson.
“Very mature young man. Really strong makeup and he has rare physical gifts. He has size. He has elite speed. He has a big arm,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “He’s gonna need some polish with his game, but he has the work ethic and acumen to do so.”
Green is a physical freak but the Browns view him as a passer and don’t plan on making him change positions to capitalize on his athleticism.
“He’s playing quarterback,” Berry said.
That’s not to say that Green could have a unique package within the Browns’ offense that takes advantage of his athleticism. At 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds, he is one of the most physically gifted prospects in the class. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 43.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, setting quarterback records at the combine, and ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time ever recorded by a quarterback at the event.
“Having an athletic quarterback can be critical to having success. So, if he’s able to do that, then we’ll certainly put him in a position if we think that can help us win a game. It certainly adds some value with his ability to throw it, compared when you get in those situations as opposed to having to go Wildcat,” Monken said. “It’s not that Q (Quinshon Judkins) can’t throw it, but I would doubt he can throw it as well, as the young man we just took.”
Taylen Green Upset With Sixth-Round Selection
Green was an intriguing prospect throughout the pre-draft process, but the knock on him has been about the details and decision-making elements of his game. He committed a combined 37 turnovers over the past two seasons, including 20 interceptions and 17 fumbles. Slipping to the sixth round stung, but Green isn’t hiding from the moment.
“I’m a dawg. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to put my team in the best place to win. Put all I’ve got into it,” Green said. “I’ll continue to have chip on my shoulder, not be complacent and be the hardest worker and a sponge.”
Green did pile up some massive numbers during his college career. In 53 games with Boise State and Arkansas, Green collected 9,662 passing yards, 59 passing touchdowns and 35 interceptions. He rushed for 2,405 yards and 35 more scores.
“At that point in the draft, you’re looking for traits. Someone you can work with and give yourself a chance to develop,” Monken said. “Hear great things in terms of how he’s wired.”
Browns Will Move Forward With 4 Quarterbacks
Berry said that the selection of Green will not have an immediate effect on the quarterback room’s makeup. The Browns plan to move ahead with four quarterbacks, as they typically do in training camp.
Cleveland has yet to name a starter, although it’s seen mostly as a two-QB race between Watson and Sanders.
“Every player that’s gonna be a part of a roster is going to be competing,” Monken said after the addition of Green. “That doesn’t mean equal reps. There has to be some form of a depth chart.”
Sanders started the final seven games last season, going 3-4 in those contests. He passed for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sanders got a Pro Bowl nod as a replacement player.
Watson is the veteran wild card. He’s heading into the final year of his $230 million contract but missed all of last year after two Achilles surgeries.
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