The Cleveland Browns gave rookie quarterback Taylen Green more work during Thursday’s joint practice with the Buffalo Bills.
The sixth-round pick made the most of those opportunities, showing his arm talent and mobility in the red zone. He connected with Tylan Wallace for a touchdown in the corner. The rookie then added another touchdown with his legs on a quarterback option. His athletic ability gives Cleveland another dimension during red-zone work.
Green also completed a deep pass to tight end Jermaine Terry during an earlier 11-on-11 period.
“First of all, he’s so damn smart,” Browns coach Todd Monken said. “That dude is smart as heck to go out there and function. We hardly give him any reps.”
Monken also praised Green’s approach despite his limited practice opportunities. The Browns have four quarterbacks competing for limited repetitions. The other three are Deshaun Watson – the likely QB1, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.
“I love that dude,” Monken said. “It’s just hard. We have four guys. It’s hard to give them all reps. We got him on the perimeter one time, which is what you’ve got to do down there in the red zone, but all he does is work, always has a smile on his face.
“I’m happy we got him. But it’s hard to fit him in with the reps and rep count we have.”
The 6-foot-6 quarterback has struggled to find consistent practice opportunities since Cleveland stopped using two fields for simultaneous drills.
That limited workload has made Green’s development harder to track. However, Thursday provided a strong highlight of his potential. He has received guidance from quarterback Sanders earlier in training camp, who was spotted working with Green after practice in late July.
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The Browns face a difficult decision with Green as roster cuts approach. Keeping four quarterbacks on the active roster could limit flexibility elsewhere.
Green could become a practice squad candidate, but Cleveland would first need him to clear waivers. His athletic profile could attract interest from other teams.
For now, Green will get another important opportunity in Cleveland’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots. Monken’s praise could add more attention to a rookie who has received relatively few chances.
Green still faces a difficult roster battle. However, his latest performance gives Cleveland more reason to keep evaluating him.
