-- The Browns front office and HC Hue Jackson entered the off-season evaluating options to help solidify a QB room which they deemed as 'needing help', which led to RG3. Did the RG3 acquisition alter the strategy for the Browns in selecting a QB early (2nd pick) in the draft?
The Browns player personnel department had submitted reports on individual players prior to the Browns pursuit of RG3 and while 'numerous' draft-board rankings and scenarios had not yet been played out, the head coach knew with QB he preferred in the draft --Jared Goff.
Every indication I have gained told me members of the Browns front office, player personnel and coaching were divided in their impression of Carson Wentz. From being a 'potential' franchise QB to a player that has inconsistencies in his fundamentals and other skill-set function, opinions were a plenty.
In RG3's workout which was caught on film, comparisons were made between three players (RG3, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz) -- age, athleticism, arm strength, throwing, recognition, reactionary time and physical stature. The staff nearly to a member believed RG3 was the better player overall when compared to Wentz, but there was significant discussion and contrast on areas which Wentz was superior -- physical stature, development and pro-set readiness -- with each specific a very engaging conversation. A consensus was reached within the Browns structure that Wentz 'could' become a franchise QB in time, but the odds were not sufficient for an organization with numerous holes / talent deficiency to select what they deemed a 'possibility' when weighed against acquiring numerous talents over a two-year period.
When it came down to Goff and RG3, the staff believed RG3 was the most physically gifted (athleticism) and better deep ball QB -- but Goff scored well with age, intermediate passer, development, recognition / reactionary time. The belief in Cleveland was Jared Goff could be selected, groomed to gain under center experience while utilizing his strength in seeing a defense, recognizing the read and putting the ball on a receiver.
The L.A. Rams trade with Tennessee to obtain the first selection (Goff) in the draft changed the climate for the Browns organization. The Browns already had RG3 in tow, which provided them comparison value -- whether right or wrong, this is the fact of matter.