Josh Rosen is one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s NFL Draft class, and the Browns have two of the first four picks. There has been talk that Rosen is hoping Cleveland does not use one of those selections on him, but the former UCLA star says that could not be further from the truth.
Michael Silver of NFL.com says he spoke with Rosen recently about the draft, and the 21-year-old said he would love to play for the Browns.
Ex-UCLA QB Josh Rosen told me last week, ‘I’ve never said anything about not wanting to play in Cleveland. I don’t know where that came from. There's absolutely no foundation in reality in that (report).’
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 27, 2018
He's saying on the record he would happily play for the Browns. He'll look Dorsey, Hue et al in the eye in Indy and tell them that. Pretty sure perception takes an L after that. https://t.co/EIC0FpzYmz
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 27, 2018
The talk started back in December when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rosen was considering returning to UCLA for his senior season to avoid ending up in Cleveland. While he never mentioned the Browns by name, Rosen seemed to confirm the report when he made some comments about the importance he places on being the top overall pick.
From a business perspective, Rosen would be wise not to alienate the Browns. He could slip a lot further down the board if Cleveland doesn’t want him, though it’s possible the Browns could trade back or wait to draft a quarterback regardless.
