The Cleveland Browns remain guarded about their draft plans, but new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has offered a subtle hint regarding Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Rees worked with Milroe for a season as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator before joining the Browns. During that time, Milroe delivered an impressive campaign, posting 23 touchdown passes, six interceptions, 2,718 passing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Milroe is widely regarded as the top dual-threat quarterback in the draft, although he is expected to be selected behind more traditional passers such as Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. The Browns, holding the No. 2 overall pick, have been linked to Milroe because of his history with Rees, who was recently elevated to offensive coordinator.
At his introductory press conference, Rees spoke about his relationship with Milroe but avoided providing too much detail.
“As a person, I have a lot of love for Jalen, a lot of respect for Jalen,” Rees said. “Obviously, we went through an entire season together, and when you’re the play-caller and the quarterback, there’s a great relationship there.
But I’m really not going to expand much on anybody in the draft right now and just know that I have a lot of love for Jalen as the man he is and wish him all the best.”
Browns Revamping QB Position
The Browns may not need to draft Milroe as high as No. 2 and could consider taking him in a later round. Some mock drafts project Cleveland selecting Heisman winner Travis Hunter or pass-rusher Abdul Carter with their top pick.
Regardless, the Browns appear set to overhaul their quarterback room after a tumultuous season that saw multiple players take snaps under center. Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe all started games for Cleveland last year.
Watson is expected to miss much of the upcoming season following a second surgery on his ruptured Achilles. Even before the injury, Watson was unlikely to remain in the team’s long-term plans, despite his $230 million contract that runs through 2026.
Milroe could be developed as a long-term project while the Browns turn to a more experienced veteran through free agency to address their immediate needs.
Browns Focused on Passing Efficiency
Despite having a roster loaded with talent, Cleveland’s glaring hole at quarterback was a key factor in their disappointing 3-14 season. The team understands that stability at the position could spark a significant turnaround.
“I would say I agree with the quarterback has as much influence in a game as any position in sport. When you’re in a high-level passing efficiency, when you’re in a high level of efficiency offensively, that leads to wins and losses,” Rees said. “I think the turnover margin is still a good number, but I think you see the pass efficiency number in the NFL continue to be a good indicator for that. And obviously, that’s a big part of playing the quarterback position.”
Currently, Thompson-Robinson is the only healthy quarterback under contract for next season. Both Winston and Zappe are set to hit free agency.
