Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s rise allowed the Browns to trade Joshua Dobbs
The Cleveland Browns surprised everyone yesterday when they shipped QB Joshua Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals. But if you watched the Browns’ preseason games, it maybe wasn’t such a shock. There wasn’t thought to be a trade partner for Dobbs, that’s why no one thought it was a possibility. But when the Browns packaged Dobbs […]
The Cleveland Browns surprised everyone yesterday when they shipped QB Joshua Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals.
But if you watched the Browns’ preseason games, it maybe wasn’t such a shock. There wasn’t thought to be a trade partner for Dobbs, that’s why no one thought it was a possibility.
But when the Browns packaged Dobbs and a seventh-round pick to the Cardinals for a fifth-round pick it opened the door for the deserving rookie.
There hasn’t been a ton of starters playing for the Browns this preseason so the excitement has come from their rookie quarterback. Dorian Thompson-Robinson has come in and has been a thrill to watch in all three exhibition games so far. As a fifth-round selection, there weren’t any real expectations for the UCLA product in year one, or even year two. Cleveland took the top player on their board and wanted him to be their long-term backup when able.
“Just speaking to DTR, he’s coming along, he’s making great strides. We’re excited about his future,” Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media on Thursday. “And just for the focus for him and for all our guys is just to continue to work.”
When DTR was drafted, he was looked at as a potential player the Browns could develop into something eventually. But with the preseason he’s had, that process has been sped up a bit. Being a backup quarterback is a legit role. At any given moment, you could be that guy out there under center. Injuries and other circumstances can sideline a player at any time and you never know when a backup is going to be called upon.
One of the things that has benefited the rookie significantly is the fact that he is seasoned. With 49 games played in college, Thompson-Robinson brings a ton of experience to the pros. It is beneficial to have more football played under your belt and I believe we are seeing that so far.
To this point, DTR has outperformed Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson this preseason. Each of those quarterbacks was picked in the top 5 of the NFL Draft back in April. Of course, the expectations are different, and those quarterbacks have seen some starters. But each quarterback has seen their fair share of work against backups and Thompson-Robinson has stood out the most.
So far this preseason, DTR has completed 30-of-46 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie hasn’t turned the ball over and has shown off his mobility with 55 yards on the ground.
By trading Dobbs, Cleveland adds $1.5 million in cap space and will eat $500k in dead cap. By the rookie rising this preseason, he not only gave the Browns a higher ceiling backup, but he helped the Browns’ books.
Cleveland hopes that Deshaun Watson is the franchise quarterback for the long haul. But if the situation arises that Thompson-Robinson needs to play, whether it’s for a game or a long stint, the Browns showed they feel good that about by yesterday’s move.
Browns trade away QB Joshua Dobbs after naming him the backup
It’s a bit of an awkward day for the Cleveland Browns.
Featured image via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.
