Dorian Thompson-Robinson the Security Blanket Browns Need

The early returns on rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson suggest he can the long-term backup to Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns.

It appears that quarterback Dorian-Thompson-Robinson is the security blanket this team needs. In the preseason, the Cleveland Browns do not have a starting quarterback competition like some other teams do. Yes, Deshaun Watson is going to be the starter and there's no question about that moving forward.

DTR brings above-average arm talent, an ability to move outside of the pocket and run plus great competitive toughness. He played for head coach Chip Kelly at UCLA and is bringing that elite offensive mindset to Cleveland that was had in college. Another move the Browns made is hiring Bill Musgrave as the senior offensive assistant, someone who coached under Kelly back in Philadelphia with the Eagles. 

The Browns selected quarterback DTR in the fifth round (pick 140) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of UCLA. This was to have a security blanket of sorts for the starter in Watson and backup in Joshua Dobbs this season and for the years beyond.

DTR was 2x second-team All-Pac 12 in 2020 and 2021. In '22, he went 9-4 in 13 games played, completing 266-382 passes for 3,153 yards and 27 touchdowns compared to only 10 interceptions. Additionally, DTR has the ability to rush as he went for 646 yards and 12 touchdowns averaging 5.5 yards each carry.

Of course, the goal for this team is that Watson is to have a magnificent season with no injuries and leads the Browns to success. Yet the NFL has no guarantees as everyone knows.

Thus far in the first two preseason games, DTR has already gone 17-21 for 184 yards and two touchdowns compared to no interceptions. He truly looks great in the action he's seen against both the Jets and Commanders with a keen awareness and connective prowess with the receivers on this team. 

The Browns also have Joshua Dobbs on the roster as the current number two quarterback. Cleveland signed Dobbs to be the backup with a $1.5 million guaranteed in salary plus a $500K bonus. Unless they trade him, he's staying here. DTR was drafted for the future as a backup. Additionally, the team has Kellen Mond who is likely playing for a quarterback roster spot on another team.

DTR is only 23 years old and certainly has plenty to learn moving forward before starting. Once again, the hope is he won't need to see in-game action because Watson will stay healthy and play successfully for years to come. Even so, it's nice to know there's someone solid behind him just in case and for future years. 

Browns fans should be excited for these upcoming preseason games as DTR may get the opportunity to start or at least play a significant amount of action with Watson sitting. Let’s watch for how the quarterback continues to run the offensive, connect with receivers, and continue to manage the pocket with that aforementioned awareness. 

After action in the upcoming matchups against the Eagles and Chiefs, the Browns will begin the season with a strong quarterback room in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland.