Browns coach Mike Pettine: Quarterback is an "obvious priority"

The Browns plan to be "meticulous" in finding a new quarterback. (Diamond Images/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Saturday at the NFL combine that a quarterback is an "obvious priority" for the team.

Of course, Pettine added that the Browns have a lot of needs to address in general, but quarterback is a big one and the team intends to be "very meticulous there," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. From her report:

"[Brian Hoyer's] proven he can be successful in the NFL, but at the same time, you’re always looking to make the team better and that’s the most important position,'' Pettine said Saturday at the NFL Combine. "So we’re going to do a lengthy evaluation on what’s available in the draft, what’s available in free agency, what’s on campus, and make that decision for what’s going to give us the best chance to win.''

He emphasized that he's not necessarily looking for a Manning-caliber quarterback that has to put the team on his shoulders.

"They come in all shapes and sizes,'' he said. "We’re looking for one that’s going to maximize our ability to win. Even though the quarterback’s a priority, we don’t want to put ourselves in a position where the quarterback has to win the game. I think that’s where some teams make mistakes. Even though it’s the most important position. If you don’t have that guy that you feel, whether it’s (Tom) Brady or (Peyton) Manning that can take over a game and win it for you…. While the quarterback is a priority, we need to make sure we’re solid around him and make his job easier.''