Tebow impresses Browns GM Heckert

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

A few months ago, I took an idea for a post to fellow staff writer Aaron Ziraks.

"Aaron, I was thinking of doing a post on Tim Tebow," I said. "I'm not saying I want the Browns to take him, but this guy may not be as bad at the next level as some think."

The look on Aaron's face was one of surprise and horror.

"Not a good idea," he said after collecting his thoughts.

A few months later, Browns general manager Tom Heckert had some nice things to say about Tebow, according to the Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi.
Grossi caught up with Heckert at last night's Cleveland Sports Award Banquet.

"I think (Tebow) knew (he'd take heat) there and he went way up in my book for doing that, because originally there was talk that he wasn't going to go,'' Heckert said. "I think it's great that he went. He's a competitor and he wants to show what he can do. I thought it was great that he showed up, I really did. Because he knew what was going to happen."

Heckert continued.

"[H]e's got it all. He's everything you want, the greatest kid in the world. People can knock him all they want, but he won a ton of games. And they didn't just run the ball. He threw the ball and threw the ball well. It's tough to knock a kid like that, but to say he's going to be a franchise quarterback, that's going to be a big decision for whoever takes him.''

Heckert was at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. last weekend where he witnessed Tebow put up pedestrian numbers. Tebow finished 8-for-12 passing for 50 yards and rushed four times for 10 yards.

Now, for all the nonsense surrounding the idea of the Browns taking Jimmy Clausen or trading for Michael Vick, let's take a few minutes examining Tim Tebow.

Why does Heckert like Tebow so much? At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds and a 4.7 40-yard time, Tebow was a force running the ball. He provided opponent's headaches trying to stop him. Will he run? Will he throw? Tebow corrals his size with a great level of athleticism.

In the NFL, the Wildcat formation has become all the rage. Wouldn't it serve a team well if it's Wildcat package player can also play quarterback? Think Josh Cribbs, but a more polished passer.

In addition, if the Browns offense is going to mirror a West Coast style, it is going to require short, quick passes, which is something Tebow did well at Florida. Finally, there is no denying — whether you find him annoying or not — he has leadership abilities.

Tebow's poor mechanics, lack of playing under center and the "media worship" that developed during his time in college has caused plenty to see Tebow as a bust.

According to Scout.com's Chris Steuber:

"He’s probably the most controversial prospect in draft history, because despite all of his accolades as a college quarterback, many believe Tebow has received his last snap. Tebow has what it takes to be a quarterback in the NFL, but it will take time. If he ends up in a situation where he can learn for a few years behind a quality veteran, he has a chance to develop. But if he’s forced to play right away in a bad situation, it’s a disaster waiting to happen."

Tebow is not and should not be the first choice for the Browns. At No. 7, there should be an impact defensive player available. Tebow's success at the NFL level will be an interesting storyline to follow in the coming years. At first guess, one would think Tebow would not be a solid NFL quarterback. I tend to agree.

Still, with a few months until the NFL Draft, discussing topics like this is what makes being obsessed with the NFL fun.