On an ESPN Cleveland radio show, the hosts debated the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically the Browns’ need to acquire a quarterback.
One of the hosts suggested that the Browns don’t necessarily need to draft Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward with their first-round pick but could take a guy later in the draft like Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart. The result? A tirade ripping the former Ole Miss Rebels passer.
ESPN Host Rips Jaxson Dart
The other host, Tony Rizzo, exploded into a rant, saying, “Jalen Milroe, you told me sucks, and Jaxson Dart played for Mississippi, for god’s sake. There’s a reason that he’s not playing for Alabama, or Georgia, or Ohio State. Do you guys like him? Does he look good on tape? Against who? Mississippi State? Guys, you’re overthinking this.”
While Rizzo’s rant was objectively hilarious, its content was flat-out wrong.
He bashes Dart for going to Ole Miss, but does he think that Miami and Colorado play a harder schedule than Dart did? Does he think Miami and Colorado are some kind of QB factories?
On top of that, despite the current narrative, Shedeur Sanders is not miles above Dart in terms of talent.
College football and NFL fans alike have been the driving force behind the idea that Ward and Sanders are top-10 picks and sure-fire franchise QBs. But when you take a look at what the NFL scouts and draft analysts are saying, it is not the case.
KEEP READING: Where Does Dart Land in our 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings?
The more time that passes this offseason, the more it seems that Ward is going to wind up the overall consensus No. 1 QB in the 2025 draft class. But after Ward, who is next?
The fact of the matter is that Dart and Sanders have very similar skill sets. Both QBs are very accurate, ranking in the top 10 of completion percentage this year. Both QBs have good arms but not top-end elite arm strength.
Both QBs are two of the toughest players who’ve lined up under center in some time. Both have similar abilities to navigate the pocket and extend plays with their legs.
On top of Dart and Sanders being very similar prospects, the Browns’ roster is filled with holes. If they can select a true top-five talent with the No. 2 overall pick, then why waste it on maybe a top-30 talent QB, when you can get one just as good in the second round?
So, while Rizzo’s frustrations are understandable — because of the narrative that fans are pushing — his co-host was actually correct in saying that waiting for Dart in the second round could be the best move for the Browns.
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