Browns would be wise to draft Sam Darnold

The Cleveland Browns have the first and fourth-overall picks in the 2018 NFL Draft. There has been plenty of speculation as to what general manager John Dorsey will do with the top choice. Especially after trading for Tyrod Taylor two weeks ago.

Of course, Taylor only has a year left on his deal. He appears to be more stopgap than solution, leaving all doors open. In that vein, the Browns would be wise to snatch up their quarterback before anybody else can.

While the Cleveland Browns could conceivably take Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen, Sam Darnold should be the pick when Roger Goodell announces the first selection of the draft come April 26. Darnold, who wowed at his rainy pro day at USC on Wednesday, is not only the quarterback with the highest floor, but also a considerable ceiling.

Darnold doesn’t have the hype of Andrew Luck coming out of college. Although he has the skill set that excites both scouts and coaches alike. The arm talent is evident and there are no character red flags away from the field. As well as that, the pocket presence is undeniable. In his two starting years with the Trojans, the 20-year-old threw for 7,729 yards and 57 touchdowns against 22 interceptions. While the turnovers are on the high side, that can be coached up and hopefully out of the prospect.

Should Darnold fulfill his considerable potential, he could be a Pro Bowl quarterback for a franchise that hasn’t had that type of talent under center since the 1980s with Bernie Kosar. Additionally, Darnold would have time to develop behind Taylor for one season. He would also soak up the expertise of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

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If Cleveland ever wants to experience the postseason again, it starts with finding a quarterback. Darnold checks every box that Brandon Weeden and Johnny Manziel never did. Both of those youngsters had obvious flaws in the draft process, from Weeden’s advanced age to Manziel’s off-field issues.

The Cleveland Browns have another chance to get things right after so many years of blown draft picks, and there is no time like the present. Dorsey has a tremendous track record of finding talent in the draft dating back to his days with the Kansas City Chiefs, so there’s reasons to believe this go-around will be different.

For Cleveland, the right move is obvious. Darnold present a polished, safe choice who will lead it out of the doldrums. Sometimes, the answer you’ve been looking for is right in front of your face, as it was for the Browns on Wednesday afternoon.