The Cleveland Browns continue to focus on the future with the 2023 NFL draft as they add the backup quarterback of the future, Dorian Thompson-Robinson at pick no. 140. This pick makes sense because with a quarterback on the kind of deal that Deshaun Watson has you need a cheap backup to help balance out the room overall.
Thompson-Robinson also plays with a similar skill set as Watson and Josh Dobbs so that you don’t have to change the offense if there are injuries. Let’s take an overall look at how the selection grades out as the team continues to add depth to the roster.
The production:
Thompson-Robinson was one of the more productive quarterbacks in the last couple of years. For his career as a passer, he had 10,710 yards and 88 touchdowns to just 36 interceptions. Then you look at the rushing ability as he rushed for over 1,800 and 28 rushing touchdowns at UCLA.
He comes with a ton of experience and could be a player that could win a game or two if you don’t have your guy due to injury as a high-end backup.
Production Grade: B
Browns draft pick QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson ➡️ dual threat pic.twitter.com/LprGw5GofF
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) April 29, 2023
The fit:
This is a great fit when you look at the style of play the Browns want to use on offense for Deshaun Watson. If you want to build an offense around a dual-threat quarterback you must have someone that can do that on the bench so you don’t have to change the offense if you have an injury. His rushing ability alone should keep you in the games if you need to start him.
Fit Grade: A
The Grade:
Drafting depth is exactly what the Browns needed to do in the later rounds even if they aren’t the flashy picks. Having a cheap rookie that can do some fun things on your roster as your backup is a solid plan. Fans won’t like this pick but in terms of the overall future, it just makes a ton of sense.
Overall Grade: B
