by Herbert Crowther ’17, Sports Editor
The Browns haven’t found a franchise quarterback since reestablishment in 1999, rendering any actual attempt for consistent success unlikely. This offseason, however, seems to be uniquely advantageous to finding the quarterback who can rescue this franchise from mediocrity. The draft presents this spring’s most obvious pool of talent, but this week rumors of an alternative path have surfaced. Most notably, there has been speculation that the Browns are interested in acquiring San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose time out West appears to be running out. Despite leading the 49ers to a Superbowl appearance, Kaepernick’s career has taken a sharp turn for the worse in recent years, as he has looked like a shell of his former self. To bring in another quarterback with personal problems would convey that the Browns learned nothing from the Johnny Manziel debacle.
In addition, free agent quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Brock Osweiler have been linked to potential moves to Cleveland. However, considering the incredible potential available in this year’s draft, these two should be avoided. While nobody knows the definitive answer as to who the Browns should select with the second overall pick, be it Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, or even Paxton Lynch, this is the way the Browns should rebuild. They all have the potential that the alternatives previously mentioned lack, and in Goff and Wentz, the Browns have two players who are unquestionable dedicated to the game of football rather than off the field distractions, something this franchise desperately needs.
So, despite Twitter rumors of Kaepernick, RG3, and Brock Osweilier, let’s hope the Browns stick to their guns and try to find a franchise quarterback in the draft.