The Cleveland Browns might have made the right decision on draft day last year to trade away this year’s first-round pick.
In using the first-round pick acquired from the Dallas Cowboys in the deal (22nd overall), the Browns drafted Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Looking at a 2008 quarterback class that isn’t brimming with great talent, the Browns feel good about landing Quinn last year, even though he’s thrown just eight career NFL passes.
‘‘The positive for us is that we’ve got Brady Quinn a year in advance,’’ Browns general manager Phil Savage said. ‘‘I think Brady would be at or near the top of this draft board. I can safely say that we will not be picking a quarterback, so you can write that down. It’s not going to happen.’’
The quarterback that’s received most of the pre-draft hype is Boston College’s Matt Ryan, who won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top senior quarterback. Ryan (6-4 1/2, 228) led the Atlantic Coast Conference and set single-season school records for passing yards (4,507), completions (388) and touchdowns (31). He attempted 654 passes and had 19 intercepted.
Ryan has outstanding football intelligence and a great work ethic. He’s adept at throwing touch passes and has above-average arm strength. The fact he excelled when surrounded by average talent indicates his level of talent.
Ryan has a tendency to gamble on throws, which led to a high interception total and a low completion percentage of 59.3.
‘‘As a quarterback, you never want to turn the football over,’’ Matt Ryan said. ‘‘We did that a good amount this year, but when you’re aggressive with the football sometimes mistakes are going to happen. We were aggressive, but we were able to move the ball and win games. Ultimately, I think that wins are the most significant stat. But no question about it; I’ve got to work on that, improve, turn the ball over less if you want to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.’’
Ryan had been mentioned as the possible first overall pick of the Miami Dolphins, but the Dolphins have signed Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. It would be surprising to see Ryan slip past the Atlanta Falcons, who have the third selection.
Brian Brohm of Louisville could be the second quarterback selected, but it’s unlikely he’ll be off the boards in the first round. Brohm (6-2.5, 230) completed 199-of-313 passes for 3,049 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He didn’t miss a game despite having surgery on his left (non-throwing) labrum.
Brohm displays good mechanics and an accurate touch. A concern is a lack of arm strength, and he’s not very athletic. Durability is another concern that could drop his spot in the draft.
Brian Brohm’s older brother Jeff, an assistant coach at Louisville, played quarterback in the NFL for seven seasons. He’s played a big role in grooming his younger brother for the next level.
‘‘He’s been great to me,’’ Brian said. ‘‘He was teaching me the NFL thing since I was 8, 9 years old and was my position coach in college. So he’s had a huge influence on me. It’s just great to have that kind of experience in your own family.’’
Chad Henne of Michigan is a classic pocket passer. He sets quickly and has enough arm strength to get the ball deep. Henne (6-2¢, 230) isn’t a great scrambler and won’t make many plays when protection breaks down.
Henne finished as Michigan’s career leader in completions (828), passing yards (9,715) and touchdowns (87). He dealt with an assortment of injuries last season, including a sprained knee, sprained ankle and a separated shoulder. He finished 162-of-278 for 1,938 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Henne hopes that the success of Michigan quarterbacks in the NFL (most notably New England’s Tom Brady) will elevate his draft position.
‘‘I think we’re very well prepared at Michigan,’’ Henne said. ‘‘Just going in with all the experience we have, the coaches there that prepare us. It’s a good situation. It’s a good place to be.’’
There’s a noticeable drop off after the top three. Joe Flaco of Delaware, Andre Woodson of Kentucky and John David Booty of USC will be selected in the mid to late rounds.
