The Cleveland Browns were reportedly going to send their “full contingent” to watch USC quarterback Sam Darnold during his pro day and did they ever. Not only did that contingent include general manager John Dorsey, head coach Hue Jackson, and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, but also the owner himself, Jimmy Haslam.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam sitting by himself in the bleachers at USC. Dorsey, Hue Jackson and Todd Haley are on the field. pic.twitter.com/keeYKkAavI
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) March 21, 2018
Haslam’s presence is noteworthy because team owners don’t typically spend their time doing the nitty-gritty football work like scouting draft prospects and attending their pro days. However, it should be noted that this is no ordinary prospect’s pro day he’s attending. He’s sitting in on what could be his franchise’s future quarterback, which is a big deal.
Darnold is right there in the running to be the Browns' No. 1 overall pick. Perhaps Haslam's presence suggests that the Browns organization rates the USC quarterback highly and he's doing his due diligence. Or it could also be that Haslam needs some convincing about Darnold, which is why he felt the need to see him up close and in action for himself.
Of course, the significance of Haslam’s presence at Darnold’s pro day could be minimized if he also ends up attending Baker Mayfield’s private workout and/or Josh Allen’s pro day, which are both scheduled this week. If he attends those as well, then his attendance at USC might just be a matter of an owner getting a closer look at the team’s different options at quarterback.
But if he isn’t spotted in any other quarterback’s workout and the Browns do end up drafting Darnold, then his showing up in Southern California will all make perfect sense in hindsight.
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