Josh Rosen’s former UCLA coach Jim Mora doesn’t think the Cleveland Browns should use the first pick of the draft to take the quarterback star.
Mora recently said the following on the NFL Network, according to Tiger Droppings:
Because of fit, I would take Sam Darnold if I were the Cleveland Browns. I think [he has] that blue-collar, gritty attitude. I think his teammates will love him. I think the city will love him. He’ll say the right things. He’ll come in and represent well. I think he kind of represents what Cleveland is. And then if I was one of the New York teams, I’d take Josh like that. I think they’re both going to be great pros.
This is a pretty interesting thing for Mora to say. Has there ever been a coach in the history of football who publicly advocated against one of his players? I have no idea what the relationship between Mora and Rosen is, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it were less than stellar. Rosen didn’t exactly bring UCLA to championship level heights, and now Mora is out of a job.
He’s also not just advocating against Rosen. He promoting his major rival Sam Darnold. Not exactly an outstanding look for anybody involved in the situation.
I guess maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. I don’t think there are many people out there who honestly expect Rosen to go before Darnold. The former USC star is the safest and easiest choice for the first overall pick. I’d love to Rosen’s thoughts on his old coach telling the Browns to pick him. I’m sure he has some fire opinions on those comments.