Diontae Johnson Backs Kenny Pickett: Why “The Kid” Could Emerge as Browns’ Starting QB

That kind of Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is arguably the most intriguing storyline heading into that 2025 NFL season. One important aspect to consider is that you see, together with Deshaun Watson sidelined for a significant portion pertaining to the year due for the purpose of an Achilles injury, the starting job is wide open. A Browns have assembled a diverse group of signal-callers, including veteran Joe Flacco, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, as well as promising rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

While many pundits are hedging their bets, newly acquired Browns wide receiver Diontae Johnson has offered a bold prediction: he believes Kenny Pickett will emerge as one starting quarterback after the training camp competition. It is worth noting that Johnson’s endorsement carries significant weight.

He spent two seasons playing alongside Pickett accompanied by a Pittsburgh Steelers, developing a familiarity along with rapport that few other Browns players possess alongside the young quarterback. His insights offer a unique, insider perspective on Pickett’s capabilities and potential. This blog post will delve into Johnson’s comments, analyze the Browns’ quarterback situation, in addition to explore why Pickett might indeed be the dark horse candidate to lead Cleveland’s offense.

Diontae Johnson’s Vote of Confidence: An Insider’s View

Diontae Johnson’s recent comments upon a podcast sent ripples through one NFL world. “I think they are going to roll with Kenny [Pickett] on behalf of right now,” Johnson stated, adding, “I’ve been seeing Kenny going like right now together with a ones. You see, Then Joe [Flacco] will come inside. From a different perspective, i think they are probably going in order to roll with him just to see like he’s coming off a season with Philly along with having a s1uper bowl.

Actually, So, I think they are going toward stick with him through the preseason. This isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a strong statement from a key offensive weapon who will be directly impacted by who is under center. When examining this closely, Johnson’s experience accompanied by Pickett in Pittsburgh means he understands Pickett’s tendencies, his arm talent (“he can spin it,” Johnson noted), in addition to his approach in order to a game. This pre-existing chemistry could be a major factor in training camp.

An alternative viewpoint suggests that actually, a wide receiver’s comfort level with his quarterback is paramount, and Johnson’s public backing suggests a belief within Pickett’s ability for the purpose of lead in addition to deliver the ball effectively. One important aspect to consider is that it’s also worth noting Johnson’s kind of mention belonging to Pickett’s time accompanied by this Philadelphia eagles. While Pickett didn’t see much game action there, Johnson believes that experience, even as a backup upon a Super Bowl-contending team, offered Pickett valuable insights into “how it’s supposed to be done.

When examining this closely, basically, ” learning from a successful organization along with observing an elite quarterback like Jalen hurts could have provided a crucial developmental period for Pickett, helping him refine his approach in addition to understanding of the NFL game.

The Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum

This Browns’ quarterback situation appears to be a true mixed bag, a consequence pertaining to Deshaun Watson’s ongoing injury along with the team’s need intended for immediate solutions. Here’s a breakdown belonging to a candidates vying for the starting role:

• Joe Flacco: The 40-year-old veteran can be described as a sentimental favorite for many Browns fans. His incredible kind of resurgence in late 2023, where he led the Browns to the playoffs, proved he still has plenty belonging to gas in the tank. When examining this closely, flacco brings a wealth of experience, a strong arm, and a proven ability in order to perform under pressure. Actually, However, his age in addition to the sheer physical toll of an NFL season are legitimate concerns. You see, While he showed he can win, the Browns might be looking designed for a more long-term solution. Have you considered this perspective?
• Kenny Pickett: It is worth noting that the former Pittsburgh steelers first-round pick arrives within Cleveland with something for the purpose of prove. His tenure in Pittsburgh was marked by inconsistency along with a lack belonging to explosive plays, ultimately leading for the purpose of his trade. However, Pickett is still young (27 years old as of early June 2025) as well as possesses the physical tools that made him a first-round selection. When examining this closely, well, his time with the eagles, though brief, might have offered a fresh perspective as well as a reset. An alternative viewpoint suggests that he’s hungry for another shot positioned at being a full-time starter.
• Dillon Gabriel: It is worth noting that a promising rookie from Oregon, Gabriel brings exciting playmaking ability and a strong collegiate resume. Basically, While he’s kind of likely a developmental prospect, his talent is undeniable. It is worth noting that this browns will undoubtedly give him reps to see how quickly he adapts to this NFL game.
• Shedeur Sanders: The son relating to NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders also joins a Browns as a rookie. One important aspect to consider is that like Gabriel, he’s seen as a long-term investment. His athleticism along with arm talent are evident, but he’ll need time for the purpose of develop against NFL defenses.

The Browns’ coaching staff has emphasized that this is a wide-open competition. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees stated, “You can see them all winning this job. Basically, along with so, in terms belonging to this competition, we’re so early in the process. Actually, We’re so early during evaluating that. An alternative viewpoint suggests that actually, we have a good group of guys that continue to push one another, in addition to by the time September rolls around, we’ll be ready toward go. It is worth noting that actually, kind of “.

This “four-person quarterback competition” means that every rep in training camp in addition to preseason will be scrutinized. The Browns are employing a “two-spot” method in drills to ensure all four quarterbacks get ample opportunities with the first-team offense. This structured approach will allow that coaching staff in order to thoroughly assess each player’s grasp belonging to the playbook, decision-making, accuracy, and overall command of the offense.

Why Kenny Pickett Could Win the Job

Diontae Johnson’s conviction in Kenny Pickett isn’t without foundation. Several factors could contribute to Pickett emerging as a Browns’ starting quarterback:.

• Familiarity with Diontae Johnson: It is worth noting that this is a crucial element. An alternative viewpoint suggests that Johnson and Pickett already have a sort of two-year history of playing together. When examining this closely, they understand each other’s routes, timing, and preferences. In a new offense, having a built-in rapport with a key receiver can accelerate the learning curve in addition to foster confidence. This immediate chemistry could give Pickett an edge, especially early in camp. Have you considered this perspective?
• Youth and Upside: An alternative viewpoint suggests that at 27, pickett offers this browns a potential long-term solution, something flacco, at 40, cannot. From a different perspective, well, if pickett shows significant growth and a better understanding of this nfl game, he could establish himself as the future. The Browns, having invested a first-round pick in Deshaun Watson that hasn’t panned out as hoped, might be more inclined for the purpose of see if a younger, established talent can take one reins.
• “How It’s Supposed to Be Done” in Philadelphia: Johnson highlighted Pickett’s season during Philadelphia as a key developmental period. Basically, While Pickett didn’t play much, being immersed inside a winning culture and observing a top-tier quarterback and coaching staff could have been invaluable. He might have learned subtle nuances belonging to preparation, leadership, in addition to game management that weren’t as apparent during his time within Pittsburgh. This unseen growth could manifest atop a field in Cleveland.
• Motivation to Prove Himself: Pickett’s departure sort of from Pittsburgh was not atop his terms. He’s undoubtedly driven to show the NFL that he’s a capable starting quarterback. This chip on his shoulder could translate into an intense focus and exceptional effort during training camp. A motivated player often performs located at their peak.
• Physical Tools: Pickett was a first-round pick on behalf of a reason. Basically, He has a strong enough arm, good mobility, and the intelligence to read defenses. When examining this closely, while his execution in pittsburgh was inconsistent, the talent is there. A fresh start in a new offensive scheme, tailored to his strengths, could unlock his full potential.
• Browns’ “Want” for Pickett to Win: As NFL insider Gregg Rosenthal pointed out, there’s a belief that the Browns want Kenny Pickett to win that job. This isn’t to say they’ll hand it to him, but it indicates a level pertaining to organizational investment as well as belief during his potential. Well, This subtle preference could manifest within more opportunities or a longer leash during one competition. Have you considered this perspective?

The Road Ahead: Training Camp and Preseason

A true test intended for Kenny Pickett, as well as all a Browns’ quarterbacks, will come during training camp and the preseason. This seems to be where a practice reps translate into game-like scenarios. From a different perspective, key areas in order to watch include:

• Command of the Offense: Actually, Can Pickett efficiently call plays, make pre-snap reads, as well as get this team inside in addition to out relating to this huddle smoothly.
• Decision-Making: Will sort of he minimize turnovers and make smart throws under pressure. Actually, This was an area relating to concern inside Pittsburgh.
• Accuracy: Can he consistently deliver accurate passes for the purpose of all levels kind of pertaining to this field, particularly during tight windows.
• Leadership: How does he sort of interact accompanied by his teammates as well as command that huddle. Will he earn the respect along with trust of the locker room.
• Preseason Performance: Live game action will be the ultimate proving ground. How will he perform against opposing defenses when the stakes are real.

Basically, Diontae Johnson’s prediction certainly adds an intriguing layer toward one Browns’ quarterback battle. Actually, While Joe Flacco’s experience and impressive comeback cannot be discounted, Johnson’s insider perspective atop Pickett’s current progress and potential should make Browns sort of fans take notice. a coming weeks belonging to training camp will be critical in determining who ultimately takes the field as this Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback.

It is worth noting that if Johnson’s instincts are right, “the kid” Kenny Pickett might just surprise everyone and emerge as the leader relating to one dawg pound offense. It is worth noting that the competition seems to be officially on, as well as this NFL world will be watching closely to see who earns the coveted starting spot. What do you think about this?