The Cleveland Browns have made it clear that their search for a franchise quarterback ends this offseason. They even brought in offensive coordinator Todd Haley to help assist with the decision-making process.
Haley has seen firsthand what it takes to become an elite quarterback in the NFL after spending the last six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger. While speaking with Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Haley gave his criteria for the ideal player under center:
“Highly competitive guys with the ability to weather storms,” Haley said. “Physical and mental toughness, an NFL-type arm, awareness and leadership.”
Needless to say, Roethlisberger fit that mold to a tee, which means Haley may be looking for a quarterback with similar make-up. Another player that has been linked to the Browns for having those same attributes is Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield.
Aside from his seemingly boisterous personality, the other knock on Mayfield thus far has been his height. However, Haley did not rule out the prospect of taking a shorter quarterback.
“There’s always going to be guys that break those standards,” Haley said when asked about shorter quarterbacks. “. . . You have to go in with an open mind. You’re looking for the really good football players, and if they’re good football players, they usually find a way to succeed.”
Today's prototypical NFL quarterback usually stands no shorter than 6'4″. Aside from its superficial appeal, having more size is often a determining factor for their durability in the long run.
However, it goes without saying that quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have shown that intangibilities are far more important than anything after breaking the mold as two of arguably the best QBs in the NFL. That said, the Browns' interest in Mayfield is seemingly becoming more legitimate by the day.
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