2012 NFL Draft : Is The Cleveland Browns Selection Of QB Brandon Weeden At No.22 Too High?
Rant Media Network Featured Columnist/NBA Network Manager , Follow me on Twitter, @RobertCobb_76
NEW YORK — In the case of the Cleveland Browns and former Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, age really is just a number.
The Cleveland Browns would select the 28-year old Weeden with the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Weeden, 28, would pass for 4,727 yards, and throw 37 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the 2011-12 season. And in two years as a starter, Weeden would throw for 9,004 yards and throw 61 touchdowns and 26 interceptions down in Stillwater.
Weeden would complete 29-of-42 passes for 399 yards in a 41-38 upset of Stanford in overtime in the Tositos Fiesta Bowl.
Weeden, who has been rumored to be a possible target of the Browns in either the late first round or in the early second round, gives the Browns a plug-and-play option at quarterback, is expected to challenge incumbent Colt McCoy for the starting quarterback job in Cleveland during minicamp and pre-season.
While some may criticize the Brown’s selection of Weeden at No.22 due to his age, the soon-to-be 29-year old Weeden, gives the Browns a veteran and real leader under center.
Unlike McCoy, Weeden has the arm strength to drive the ball downfield during the cold and windy months on the shores of Lake Erie, and while he may lack McCoy’s ability and accuracy to scramble, Weeden’s ability to find open players is a much-needed upgrade over the–sometimes shaky and tenative–McCoy.
Another factor to consider is that at 6’3, Weeden–unlike the 6’1 McCoy–has a much better chance of seeing down field and a less likely chance of having his ball batted at the line of scrimmage.
Was the selection of Weeden at No. 22 too high? Only time will tell. but the selection of Weeden not only shows that the Browns are not truly sold on McCoy, but may be looking to go in a different direction entirely.
Follow me on Twitter, @RobertCobb_76
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