Mitch Trubisky is 6’2 and that’s just right for Hue Jackson and the Browns

INDIANAPOLIS — Official quarterback heights are out at the NFL Scouting Combine, and that’s a good thing for North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky. It’s also a good thing for the Cleveland Browns.

Trubisky, touted by many as the top quarterback in this year’s draft, measured in at 6’2 ¹⁄₄ in Indianapolis. That should answer some concerns that arose when NFL Network’s Mike Mayock said during the Senior Bowl that scouts were expecting Trubisky would measure in at 6’1.

What’s the big deal with an inch? This is where the Browns come into play.

During his news conference on Thursday morning, Browns head coach Hue Jackson said his threshold for drafting a quarterback is 6’2.

“I think a guy has to be about 6’2 to play in this league. The special guys. There’s some other guys who have played in this league that aren’t 6’2. But the majority of the guys have played have been 6’2 or a little better and I feel that’s what I like in a quarterback.”

For Trubisky, his height is good in a historical sense. Only four quarterbacks who have been 6’1 or shorter have been taken in the first round of the draft in the last 25 years.

This is also good news for Deshaun Watson of Clemson and Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech. Watson came in at 6’2 1/4, and Mahomes was 6’2.

Jackson, said he’d do everything he can to find a quarterback for the Browns, and that may now mean drafting one early. Earlier this week word came out that the New England Patriots wouldn’t trade backup Jimmy Garoppolo, long considered a possibility for the Browns.

Now, the Browns may turn to the draft to find their quarterback of the future. That could start with Trubisky, who is from outside Cleveland and a life-long Browns fan. It was reported late Thursday that Trubisky was a consideration for the Browns’ top pick.

If height is no longer a concern about Trubisky, his lack of starting experience may be. At North Carolina, Trubisky started just 13 games. That didn’t concern Jackson either.

“I don’t think that’s what’s important,” Jackson said. “If a guy demonstrates the characteristics of what you’re looking for, I think it’s important to keep digging and finding out more. I don’t get concerned about that part of it, as long as that guy can do what he needs to.”

Jackson admitted it’s too soon to find out if any of the college quarterbacks can be immediate starters in the NFL, but he plans on interviewing all the top ones while at the combine. But considering Jackson’s size criteria and a lack of veteran options, signs are starting to point to the Browns taking a quarterback early.