The Cleveland Browns are thinking of selecting Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the fourth overall pick in next month's NFL draft, sources with knowledge of the situation said Thursday.
The possibility exists that three quarterbacks could be taken with the first four picks in the draft. This is a time when teams commonly raise pre-draft smoke screens and engage in subterfuge, but several sources said the Browns are monitoring Tannehill closely and have favorable scouting reports on him thus far.
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Several general managers said during the recently concluded NFL Annual Meeting that they expect Tannehill's stock to continue to rise through April as he works out more in front of scouts -- an injury prevented him from doing much at the NFL Scouting Combine -- and decision-makers have the opportunity to spend more time with him.
NFL.com's Gil Brandt reported that Tannehill impressed team reps on hand with his throwing performance at Thursday's Texas A&M pro day.
The Browns had been deep in trade talks to acquire the No. 2 overall pick so they could draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, though that slot eventually went to the Washington Redskins.
While the Browns have supported incumbent starter Colt McCoy, it's also very clear they are open to upgrading at the quarterback position. There is a steep dropoff in draft talent at quarterback after Tannehill, and Miami, which picks eighth overall, also is high on him. Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman coached Tannehill in college.
Cleveland, which traded down a year ago, would listen to offers to do so again, should another team want to leapfrog Miami or make a move for Tannehill or other prospects. But if the Browns stay at No. 4 and continue to like what they see and hear from Tannehill, they would seriously consider him with that pick.
Tannehill has spent the past three months training at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and the past several weeks working daily with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke, who trained Newton last year during the lockout. Newton has been raving about Tannehill, sources said, and Tannehill is expected to continue to create considerable buzz heading into the draft.
