Report: Rosen would be happy with Browns

Quarterbacks are making news, just as the NFL is getting ready to invade Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine that begins Feb. 28 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Josh Rosen of UCLA, regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft April 26, has chosen now to dispel a rumor that has been floating for more than two months.

On Dec. 24, Adam Schefter of ESPN wrote: “Rosen would prefer to play for the Giants over the Browns and would be hesitant to declare for next year’s NFL draft if he knew that Cleveland was going to take him with the No. 1 overall pick, according to league sources familiar with the situation.”

The Browns pick first and the Giants second in the first round of the draft April 26.

Michael Silver of NFL Network on Feb. 27 refuted that report by quoting Rosen in a tweet issued by Silver.

“I’ve never said anything about not wanting to play in Cleveland,” Silver quoted Rosen, and added the quote: “There’s absolutely no foundation in reality in that (report).”

Silver also tweeted Rosen plans to tell Browns General Manager John Dorsey at the combine he would be happy to play for the Browns, who were 0-16 in 2017, 1-15 in 2016 and have started 28 quarterbacks in 19 years.

In other news, Sam Darnold, the Southern Cal product regarded by many analysts as the top quarterback in the draft, announced he will not throw at the combine, instead waiting for the USC pro day March 21 to show off his arm. The NFL.com report said Darnold will go through the interview process and athletic testing, such as the bench press and 40-yard dash.

Darnold and Rosen are both candidates to be chosen by the Browns with the first pick. The Browns also own the fourth pick, but at least one and possibly both California quarterbacks could be chosen second and third if the Browns decide to fill another position with the first pick. The Colts own the third pick and could trade it to a quarterbackneedy team such as the Jets.

If the Browns aren’t sold on Rosen or Darnold, they could pick another player with the first pick — North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb wouldn’t be a shocker — and take Josh Allen of Wyoming or Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma to fill their quarterback need.

However it unfolds, Rosen’s supposed desire to avoid the Browns never was taken seriously in Berea, primarily because there was no recording of him ever saying he did not want to be in Cleveland.

Other concerns about Rosen are genuine. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound quarterback has durability concerns. He was sidelined with a shoulder injury in 2016 and suffered two concussions in 2017.