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The Cleveland Browns have been without a long-term answer at quarterback ever since the franchise rebooted in 1999. The team has a lot invested in current starter Deshaun Watson, but if Friday’s preseason game is any indication, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson could be the guy in Cleveland the franchise should bet on.
The Browns may have lucked a huge steal in Dorian Thompson-Robinson. They selected him with the 140th pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of UCLA.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the rare five-year starter at UCLA, throwing for over 10,000 yards and 88 touchdowns and rushing for another 1,827 yards. He really came into his own in his last two years under Chip Kelly, going 17-7 as a starter and throwing for over 5,500 yards and 58 touchdowns as he helped bring the Bruins back to relevance.
He looked great in the Hall of Fame game on August 3rd, going 8-11 for 82 yards and a touchdown. And, DTR upped the ante on Friday with another great performance. He was 9-10 for 102 yards with a touchdown and no interception in Cleveland’s 17-15 loss to the Commanders.
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Browns rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson caps off an impressive drive by beating the blitz for six to David Bell.
DTR is 9 of 10 for 102 yards and this score tonight. pic.twitter.com/gk5gyet5MA
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) August 12, 2023
And, the hype is coming in.
Absolutely zero good reasons for Dorian Thompson-Robinson to have been a fifth round pick.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) August 12, 2023
Before the draft, someone asked me, "who are your best QB's?" I said Will Levis #1 and Dorian Thompson-Robinson as #2. The rest are projects. They laughed. Doubt they are laughing now. I'm available for hire for any #NFL team as a scout. My track record speaks for itself.
— Jetgaming (@_jetgaming) August 12, 2023
Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a future MVP
— . (@your9xersfan) August 12, 2023
DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON
REMEMBER HIS NAME
— 🛸 (@_Dirt_McGirt_) August 12, 2023
Is Dorian Thompson-Robinson the best QB on the Browns' roster?
My column:
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) August 12, 2023
Cleveland Browns have their franchise qb… in Dorian Thompson-Robinson
— Zack ( I got my joy back) (@zackhatt1) August 12, 2023
Long way to go, and the franchise has a once-record contract invested in Deshaun Watson, but early returns on Dorian Thompson-Robinson are as good as they can be.