UCLA Football: Former Bruins QB is Off To an Impressive NFL Start

The Bruin is shining early this preseason

Over the last half-decade, the UCLA Bruins enjoyed the steady presence of Dorian Thompson-Robinson as their quarterback. His impressive tenure as a Bruin culminated in a standout performance that caught the NFL's attention, earning him the 140th pick in this year's draft – a fifth-round nod from the Cleveland Browns.

While DTR may not get a chance to shine as the QB1 for the Browns, thanks to Deshaun Watson, it's clear that his talent won't be sitting idle. He's turning heads in his first handful of preseason games and is showing why he should've been taken earlier in the draft. 

DTR in his two preseason games:

🔸 90.2 PFF Grade
🔸 231 total yards
🔸 2 TDs
🔸 134.9 passer rating

The Browns found a stud in the 5th round pic.twitter.com/Cjg2fB96op

— PFF (@PFF) August 13, 2023

His remarkable showings in the initial two preseason games have been impossible to ignore. The whispers in the air resonate with the notion that he's poised to take the role of Watson's backup.

DTR's prowess on the field during these early preseason matchups has been nothing short of remarkable. His performances have spoken louder than words, making it apparent that he's not just a rookie but a player with the potential to become a force. CBS Sports football columnist Cody Benjamin has echoed this sentiment, ranking Dorian at the top of his list in the rookie QB preseason rankings.

1.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

(

Browns

)

Technically the UCLA product has two preseason games under his belt, debuting in the Hall of Fame Game before another appearance against the

Commanders

. It doesn't matter which stat line you take; he was impressive in both. After flashing his dual-threat skills in Canton, the fifth-rounder was back it this week, going 9 of 10 for 102 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. With another strong showing, he could legitimately push

Joshua Dobbs

as

Deshaun Watson's

top backup.

(via CBS Sports)

DTR isn't done yet, as he is sure to start in the Browns' next two preseason games and show he is worthy of getting some snaps from time to time.