Getty ImagesCoach Pat Shurmur will get his first look at Brandon Weeden as a member of the Browns at the rookie minicamp this weekend and, based on what he said during a conference call on Thursday, that will be when the process of picking a starting quarterback will start.
Plenty of people believe that Weeden will be the starting quarterback this season. The rationale for such belief is pretty sound. Weeden is 28 and he was a first-round pick, a combination that doesn’t really lend itself to an extended apprenticeship at the NFL level. Shurmur said Thursday, via the Akron Beacon-Journal, that there hasn’t been any decision made at this point. According to Shurmur, Weeden and every other rookie will have to earn their starting spot.
“Yeah, I think that is the speech I give all of the rookies and it will be part of what I say tonight as well. Again, I know what we are all trying to get at with this stuff, but we drafted these players for a reason. We drafted them with the idea that they could come in and start or until they start, could be effective role players. But, they have to come here and do it. By doing it, that’s when we talk about competing.”
There’s not really much else Shurmur can say at this point, although there’s no chance that Trent Richardson isn’t already etched into the top of the depth chart. General Manager Tom Heckert was a bit more candid in his appearance on PFT Live Wednesday when he said the team is hoping that Weeden will be the guy, although Heckert also stressed the idea of competition at every spot.
Channel Finder
Get ready for for the lies Weeden, just ask Colt.
Shurmur – “Congrats! You are now the starting QB for the Browns. Get your locker ready to clear out next season.”
I don’t think you can justify calling it “earning the job” when all he has to do is beat out other crappy quarterbacks.
They draft a 28 year old in the first round and want people to think they haven’t given him the job? What a joke. Then again this franchise has been a joke since it was reconstituted. So at least they are being consistent.
To quote Yoda, this is why the Browns fail
This competition has already been decided. This front office is such a joke.
Just name him the starter so he can get most of the reps. You are not fooling anyone. He’s your first round pick for crying out loud.
…its not like he can be a project qb and learn from a veteran for 3-4 years…