UCLA junior Josh Rosen could be the franchise quarterback the Browns have been seeking for decades, but ESPN reported Sunday he would prefer to play for the New York Giants and would be hesitant to enter the 2018 NFL draft if he knew Cleveland would pick him first overall.
With Sunday's 20-3 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, the Browns fell to 0-15 this season, 1-30 under coach Hue Jackson and clinched the top pick in next year's draft.
Any concern on a player's part would not dissuade new Browns general manager John Dorsey from drafting the one he believes is the best fit for the team, according to the report.
Last month, Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold denied a report he would return to school for his junior season if the Browns wound up with the No. 1 pick.
"I didn't say anything about the Browns," Darnold told reporters. "I've never said anything bad about [an NFL] team. They know I would never say anything."
After UCLA plays Kansas State on Tuesday in the Cactus Bowl, Rosen plans to discuss his future with his parents before finalizing his decision about whether to declare for the draft, according to ESPN, and the Browns owning the top choice could influence his decision.
Rosen is in concussion protocol and will sit out the Cactus Bowl under doctor's orders, Sports Illustrated reported Saturday night.
