Deshaun Watson

Clemson's Deshaun Watson celebrates a last second touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow during the second half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, in Tampa, Fla. The NFL on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, released a list of 95 underclassmen who have been granted early entry to the draft, along with the names of eight other players, including Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who are draft-eligible by completing their college degrees. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

(John Bazemore)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With Senior Bowl week teeming with NFL scouts, coaches and general managers, there's always plenty of buzz in Mobile, Ala. about the draft, free agency and trades.

Last week, when Hue Jackson and his staff spent the week coaching the South team, was no different. Here's some of what we heard about the Browns' quarterback situation:

1. Jackson is responsible for finding a starting QB

Jackson repeatedly referred to "his job'' of finding a quarterback of the future, and he will be the point man on this task. Sources say he wasn't as all in on the pick of Cody Kessler as he made it seem last when he said "trust me.'' This year, the QB buck will stop at his desk.

"I came here to coach that position and get it better, and I plan on doing that,'' he said. "I've been doing this for a long time and I'll put a quarterback on this football team that can win. That's my job. We're going to do it collectively as a group. But hopefully we're going to lean on my expertise and what I need at that position to win."

2. The Browns will make a pitch for Jimmy Garoppolo

Sources say the Browns' interest in Garoppolo is real and that they'll try to trade for him depending on how their draft evaluations go over the next five weeks or so.

If the Browns decide to draft Mitch Trubisky or Deshaun Watson in the first round, they'll be much less likely to pursue the Patriots' backup -- but wouldn't rule it out.

But they'll have competition for Garoppolo that will drive up the price. Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan liked him coming out of the draft, and might pursue a deal once he formally becomes the 49ers' head coach.

The 49ers have the No. 2 pick in the draft, and are also looking for a quarterback.

But the Browns are intrigued, sources say, and they'll strongly consider it. The cost could be the No. 12 overall pick and more.

3. Deshaun Watson must still win over the Browns

I talked to several quarterback experts in Mobile who would take Watson No. 1, including one general manager, one director of player personnel and one offensive coordinator. One said "he's the best player in this draft.'' Former NFL GM Bill Polian, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, told cleveland.com "he certainly checks all of the boxes.'' And when I asked Clemson's Dabo Swinney about him, he said, "If the Browns pass on Deshaun Watson, they're passing on Michael Jordan.''

But I don't think the Browns are convinced yet, and Watson missed an opportunity to win them over by skipping the Senior Bowl and a chance to work with Jackson and his staff. Jackson talked to Watson about his decision not to participate, and told cleveland.com he won't hold it against him.

"We had a great conversation,'' Jackson said. "I get it. I understand where he is and I'm sure he understood what we wanted to accomplish.''

But while he might not hold it against Watson, Jackson didn't get a chance to see firsthand if his skills will translate to the NFL. He certainly didn't help himself by sitting out. At this point, I believe Watson has a steep climb to No. 1.

4. Mitch Trubisky gaining some momentum

While most of the experts I talked to believe Watson is at the head of this quarterback class, some prefer Mentor, Ohio native Mitch Trubisky of North Carolina. One raved about him, saying he likes him better than last year's top two QBs, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. If that's the case, the Browns wouldn't hesitate to take him No. 1 overall.

Another said he's "head and shoulders above Deshaun Watson.''

Still others expressed concern over his 13 college starts, saying plenty of quarterbacks with such limited experience often struggle in the NFL, or in their final year of college once teams break down their film.

Draft experts Mike Mayock also said on NFL Network that scouts have told him Trubisky will measure only a little over 6-1 at the scouting combine in Indianapolis next month instead of the 6-3 he's listed at, and that it could cause him to fall in the draft. One person close to the situation that he'd be surprised if Trubisky came in at 6-1, and another said scouts aren't permitted to measure players on campus visits, so the report must be taken with a grain of salt.

If the Browns draft Trubisky, they might have to develop him for a while, but could be set for years to come.

5. Will Kirk Cousins be an option?

Redskins coach Jay Gruden told reporters at the Senior Bowl last week that they want impending free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins back. But will they be willing to pay him the estimated $24 million a year he would command or franchise him again for $25 million this off-season?

"We totally anticipate Kirk coming back to the Washington Redskins, and we're very excited about parlaying two very good years as the starting quarterback into a third year and watching him grow," Gruden said, via The Washington Post.

Redskins President Bruce Allen also told Sirius-XM NFL Radio "Kirk's our quarterback. He played well the last two years, and I know there's other speculation, but it doesn't come from the Redskins."

If the Redskins, who went 8-7-1, determine that they can win with Colt McCoy or another quarterback, they might be willing to trade Cousins. Coming off back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, he's more of a proven commodity than Garoppolo.

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported the Browns and 49ers are interested. Shanahan coached Cousins in Washington.