2014 NFL mock draft: Jordan Matthews to Cleveland Browns at No. 35

The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback. Sure, they have veteran Brian Hoyer on hand to hold the starting job for a year or two if necessary, but they unquestionably need a franchise quarterback -- and have for a very long time.

Chris Pokorny of Dawgs By Nature is doing the picking for the Browns in this year’s SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft. He went with a tackle in the top five, then a cornerback at No. 26 overall. He’s passing on a quarterback for a third time here, as well; he explains below.

”When I selected Darqueze Dennard at No. 26 overall, my mind was set on taking a wide receiver with the No. 35 overall pick. In the back of my mind, I was hoping that Marqise Lee would fall to the second round, but the Panthers grabbed him at No. 28 overall. Six receivers in total were drafted in the first round, but there is a reason I passed on the position with both of the Browns’ first-round picks: I knew there would still be a high-caliber talent available in round two, and that’s exactly what I got with Matthews.

In terms of size and speed, when I look at Matthews, one thing that jumps out at me is, ‘I’m not making the same mistake the Browns did in 2009, am I?’ That’s when they drafted Brian Robiskie at No. 36 overall. The big difference is productivity, though – Matthews had significantly more catches than Robiskie, and he can be a reliable receiver for whoever is under center.”

Unquestionably, this is a big risk for the Browns. In need of a quarterback, with three of the first 35 picks, it would be a real surprise if one didn’t go to a signal caller. If Cleveland doesn’t take a quarterback in the first two rounds, the team could settle on players like AJ McCarron or Aaron Murray in the third round. That’s less than ideal. The choice of Matthews is decent. He would be the steady, though not overly spectacular, foil for Josh Gordon on the outside. Matthews isn’t flashy, but the Browns don’t necessarily need that type of receiver. But who is throwing the ball?