Browns HC Kevin Stefanski opens up about new Patriots OC

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke with reporters at the NFL scouting combine on Wednesday and insisted the New England Patriots have a "great" new offensive coordinator in Alex Van Pelt after Cleveland replaced Van Pelt with Ken Dorsey this offseason. 

"I’ll start with the person," Stefanski said about Van Pelt, per Mark Daniels of MassLive. "You’re not going to find a better person in this profession. AVP is a great friend of mine. I’m excited for him and that opportunity. A former player, has played in a bunch of different systems, has coached in different systems. He’s collaborative. I think that the Patriots got a great one." 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently mentioned how popular Van Pelt is among current Cleveland players, former Browns offensive starters and members of the club's coaching staff. 

Some may not understand why Stefanski and/or the team's front office would part ways with such a beloved figure, but both Cabot and fellow Browns reporter Tony Grossi noted that individuals within the organization believe Dorsey is a better option as it pertains to getting the best out of quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

"(He’s) somebody I love as a person, as a coach," Stefanski added about Van Pelt. "Just, we make decisions that are tough sometimes in this league, but that doesn’t change how I feel about him." 

In New England, Van Pelt likely will be tasked with coaching a rookie quarterback who soon will be drafted to replace 2023 Week 1 starter Mac Jones. Van Pelt is a former college and NFL signal-caller who worked as a quarterbacks coach for multiple clubs before he became Cleveland OC in 2020. 

"That view from that quarterback position when you’re playing is pretty unique," Stefanski said about Van Pelt's experience. "I think he sees it through the eyes of those players. I think he instructs the system through the eyes of those guys, which is so important." 

In a mock draft updated on Wednesday morning, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted the Patriots will spend overall pick No. 3 of the player-selection process on North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. 

Maye sounds ready to face inevitable comparisons to living legend Tom Brady, but Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports remains convinced New England could use the draft's third choice to acquire Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. over Maye.