A year after selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, the Browns used a sixth-round pick on Taylen Green, a prospect with elite physical traits. Cleveland’s immediate priority is improving his mechanics as a passer.
“Well, first thing was… footwork,” coach Todd Monken told reporters on Saturday. “Cadence — getting used to our cadence early on, and he was better today, but [Saturday] morning and [Friday], choppy with his cadence. So just getting our guys into a rhythm at the line of scrimmage, I think that was the second thing he needed to work on.”
“He did a nice job today of working through his progressions. I did like that part of it. We’re gonna have to be really diligent in trying to tighten down his release. When you’re talking about check downs taken from as long of his release or long release he has, to really just being able to dart it to get it quickly out of his hands into the hands of whether it’s a running back or a tight end. But I’ve been super impressed with his ability to really learn, process and take it to the field and then getting through his progressions, really impressive.”
The length of Green’s release is a notable concern. Changing years of muscle memory proves difficult. In the NFL, a long release creates two problems: it tips off the throw, allowing defensive backs to react, and gives pass rushers extra time to attack the ball during the throwing motion.
Still, Green possesses unlimited potential. If Monken and the Browns can refine his fundamental skills, he could become a dangerous weapon for Cleveland.
