UCLA junior quarterback Josh Rosen and Southern California redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Darnold announced Wednesday night on social media they're declaring for April's NFL draft.
They're among the top candidates to be picked No. 1 overall by the Browns, who also have the No. 4 selection.
The perception of how Rosen and Darnold view the possibility of playing for the Browns, who recently wrapped up a dismal 0-16 season, is vastly different.
On Dec. 24, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Rosen would prefer to play for the New York Giants, who have the No. 2 overall pick, instead of the Browns and would be hesitant to enter the draft if he knew the Browns would choose him at No. 1.
"I'd rather be a lower pick at the right team than a higher [pick] at the wrong team," Rosen said Dec. 23, according to ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss.
Schefter also reported any concern about the Browns on behalf of a prospect would not dissuade General Manager John Dorsey from drafting the one he believes is the best fit for the team.
On Dec. 27, Browns coach Hue Jackson declined to comment on Rosen's reported desire to avoid the franchise, saying it was too early to discuss a prospect who hadn't even declared yet.
But Browns 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas didn't have any qualms about weighing in on Rosen a day later.
"Really, when it comes down to it, he's going to want to get drafted as high as he can," Thomas said Dec. 28, "and I think he's going to realize once he studies this organization and where we are, that this actually could be really the right place for a young quarterback."
Many draft analysts consider Rosen the favorite to become the top pick. In three seasons at UCLA, he completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 9,301 yards and 59 touchdowns with 26 interceptions.
Darnold, on the other hand, has made it clear he would be just fine playing for the Browns.
Asked about the possibility Dec. 27 during his pregame news conference for the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, Darnold said, "Whenever I come out to go to the NFL, I'd be honored to play for any team. Any team that would give me that opportunity to be part of their organization, it would mean the world to me."
In two seasons at USC, Darnold completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 7,229 yards and 57 touchdowns with 22 interceptions.
Other players being mentioned by media members as potential No. 1 picks are Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen and Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Both of them have declared for the draft.
