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One key question the Cleveland Browns are asking QB candidates: The Donovan Live Postgame Show

The Browns need to know if a rookie QB can handle the reality of starting out as the 3rd stringer behind Tyrod Taylor and Drew Stanton.

As the NFL Owners Meetings wind up down in Florida, we are starting to get an idea of how the Browns are evaluating the prospective rookie quarterbacks in interviews.

The 'Voice of the Browns,' Jim Donovan, laid out the plan during Channel 3 News and also here on the Donovan Live Postgame Show. As the Browns are getting to know the 'Big 4' of Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield, they have explained to all of them what they envision for the 2018 season:

  • Tyrod Taylor is the starter. No ifs, ands, or buts.
  • Because the Browns intend to win some games in 2018, they want Taylor's attention focused on the game plan, not on mentoring a rookie. Thus the reason why Drew Stanton was brought in as the backup. He will be ready to play in an emergency, and he will work with whomever the Browns draft.
  • You as the rookie will be the 3rd string QB. Can you handle that?

How each of the four react to that proclamation will go a long way to determining whether or not they are the right fit for the Cleveland Browns. Jimmy reminded me that one of the issues that Johnny Manziel went through here was a case of depression over not being 'the guy' right away after such a successful run at Texas A&M. The Browns need to make sure that scenario doesn't repeat itself.

One other Browns note that came up in our conversation was Trent Richardson. The former first-round pick in 2012 was a guest on 92.3 The Fan's 'Bull and Fox.' T-Rich came to Cleveland with so many high expectations coming out of Alabama. For all intents and purposes, he had a good rookie year and there was reason for hope in the future.

Then came the shocking trade made in September 2013 that sent Richardson to the Colts for a 2014 first-round pick that ended up turning into Manziel. Richardson admitted that being dealt away from the Browns 'took a lot from my heart.' He has not played an NFL regular season game since 2014 and is now trying to resurrect his career in the CFL. I hope he makes it.

Why is Jimmy feeling so positive about how the Cavaliers are shaping up as we head towards the playoffs? (Tuesday night's disaster in Miami not withstanding) As he explained:

  • The team is getting healthy at the right time
  • Toronto's psyche had to have been affected after last week's loss at the Q.
  • Kyrie Irving is banged up in Boston. Steph Curry is out of action for at least a round of the playoffs out west. Kevin Durant is not 100%

When you add all of these factors, Jimmy thinks it gives the Cavs an edge over several teams heading to the playoffs. Let's hope he's right.

Watch the Donovan Live Postgame Show in the player above

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