ORLANDO, Fla. -- Mike Pettine hasn't closed the door on adding a collection of quarterbacks to challenge Brian Hoyer for Cleveland's starting job under center.
The Browns coach told reporters Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting that the team is open to drafting more than one passer in May's draft, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. Pettine referenced the Washington Redskins, who selected both Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins two offseasons ago.
Cleveland plans to work out the draft's top-rated signal-callers, including Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater, and Pettine didn't rule out using the fourth overall pick on a quarterback if the team fell in love. He also expressed confidence that the Browns could find a competent starter later in the draft.
Here's what else we heard from the first-year Browns coach:
» Despite all the quarterback chatter, the Browns aren't opposed to grabbing a defensive prospect in the first round. Pettine called Jadeveon Clowney a "freakish athlete," and acknowledged that, "as a defensive coach I don't think I'd be too sad to turn in a card on Clowney at No. 4."
» The Browns continue to feel around for defensive line help and Pettine said Cleveland remains open to adding former Buffalo Bills end Alex Carrington through free agency. The scheme-versatile defender has drawn interest from the Steelers, Rams and Raiders.
» We listed the Browns as a possible landing spot for the released Mark Sanchez and Pettine called the former Jet "a player we'll discuss." The two spent years together in Florham Park, and Pettine cited their "great relationship." Still, if Cleveland plans to draft two quarterbacks and keep Brian Hoyer around, there won't be much room for Sanchez.
» More on the rookie quarterbacks: Pettine called Derek Carr the "best natural thrower in draft" and cited Teddy Bridgewater as "extremely accurate, cerebral" and "NFL-ready." On Bortles, Pettine told reporters: "If you said, 'Draw me an NFL quarterback,' that's probably who you'd draw."
The latest "Around The League Podcast" broke down all the latest news at the NFL Annual Meeting.
