Browns Officially Announce Brandon Weeden as Starter

It shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone, but Cleveland Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur has today announced that rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden has been named the starter. The 22nd overall pick of April's draft was widely expected to take the starters role, having taken the majority of the first team reps. But it was unclear when he would be officially named the starter. Shurmur cleared things up ahead of the Browns preseason opener against the Detroit Lions on Friday night.

Browns HC Pat Shurmur announced that rookie Brandon Weeden will be Cleveland's starting QB this season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2012

ESPN's Adam Schefter goes on to make another interesting point.

Brandon Weeden, Andrew Luck, RGIII...For first time since NFL/AFL merger, at least three rookie QBs will start on opening weekend.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2012

More after the jump.

How about that, three rookie quarterbacks starting week one, health permitting. We've heard plenty of talk about the first two, but how about Weeden? I personally thought he was one of the more 'pro-ready' quarterbacks in this draft. His age, while a red flag to some, is a benefit in that his maturity level will be much higher. At 28 years-old, there are things that you just pick up easier than someone six years younger.

And to be honest, the Browns didn't exactly have any choice in the matter. They've clearly given up on Colt McCoy, who was taking reps with the third stringers today. Seneca Wallace has been around the NFL a fair amount, so the Browns already know what they have there. They used a first round pick on Weeden, they must believe in him, so why not throw him in from the start?

But what do you guys think? Should the Browns be handing the reigns over to Weeden already or should McCoy or Wallace be given a legit shot at battling for the starting spot? Let me know in the comments below.