National Football League

Report: Carson Wentz to Browns buzz gaining steam

Published Jan. 28, 2016 12:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

By David Kenyon

Hop aboard the Carson Wentz hype train before it’s too late — or if you run a franchise, you might need to trade for the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft. Otherwise, the Cleveland Browns might take him.

According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the buzz connecting Cleveland and the North Dakota State quarterback isn’t a media creation. FOX Sports' Peter Schrager has the Browns nabbing Wentz with their No. 2 pick in his most recent mock draft.

Wentz is currently showing up fellow quarterback prospects at the Senior Bowl, particularly his counterparts on the North team in Cody Kessler, Jeff Driskel and Kevin Hogan. During the game itself, Wentz will be compared to South gunslingers Brandon Allen, Jacoby Brissett, Jake Coker and Dak Prescott.

During the NFL combine in February, the conversation will again be unavoidable.

Jared Goff was long considered 2016’s top prospect behind center. Paxton Lynch joined the race during a tremendous 2015 campaign. Christian Hackenberg was up there for a while, and Connor Cook was a factor, too.

Along came Wentz. He’s messed up everything — in a good way.

The 6-foot-5, 233-pounder was a two-year starter at the Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse. He guided the Bison to a pair of national championships, overcoming injury to return for the second title. Wentz threw 45 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions while at NDSU.

He’s become the darling of the current cycle, and likely deservedly so. His release, velocity and quick decision-making are appealing attributes for NFL teams, especially those like the Browns who need a long-term answer.

Cleveland will probably move on from Johnny Manziel. New head coach Hue Jackson hasn’t even spoken to the quarterback, suggesting the Browns will keep veteran Josh McCown and draft a rookie.

Carson Wentz stands out in quick release drill. Natural thrower. Sound footwork throughout drill with pinpoint accuracy #SeniorBowl #NDState
— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) January 28, 2016

Now, the FCS stigma is also real. However, consider that Jackson was the quarterbacks coach of the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 when the franchise drafted Joe Flacco, a little-known talent from FCS school Delaware. That’s turned out well for the Ravens.

And if Cleveland ultimately feels Wentz is a great option at No. 2 overall as Miller reports is currently the feeling, the Browns will be hoping he and Jackson can repeat that Flacco-like success.

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