Browns QB rumors will swirl until they pick one in this year’s NFL draft, so what about a move up even if a different position
At this point, the odds of the Cleveland Browns selecting a quarterback with the second overall pick seem very low. WR/CB Travis Hunter and DE Abdul Carter are far more likely, but that leaves the Browns without an answer at quarterback.
Unless you consider Kenny Pickett a reasonable answer.
Assuming that GM Andrew Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski have to take a quarterback early in this year’s NFL draft would be to assume they are on the hot seat and need to answer that huge question. Jimmy Haslam helped hit the reset button for Cleveland’s brass this weekend.
With three weeks to go until the start of the NFL draft in Green Bay, rumors will continue to swirl around the Browns given their high pick and needs. Trading up from the top pick in the second round to get another first-round selection makes sense for Cleveland, whether it is for a quarterback or not.
Here are five teams the Browns could look to move up with and the reasons why:
Atlanta Falcons – Pick #15
The Falcons have just five picks and just three in the first 217 selections. This kind of move could involve Kirk Cousins and an attempt to get Shedeur Sanders or just a hyper-aggressive move up the board for a falling talent.
Minnesota Vikings – Pick #24
Perhaps the most likely trade partner for multiple reasons, including Berry’s relationship with Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Minnesota has just four picks in this draft, including only one in the first 96 selections. The Vikings might be the most likely trade up partner if the Browns want to get back into the first round.
Los Angeles Rams – Pick #26
The Rams have just one pick in the first 89 selections and four in the top 189. With Matthew Stafford back in the fold, Los Angeles could decide to be aggressive and move up or continue to build the young depth on a roster to try to win now and later.
Detroit Lions – Pick #28
The Lions have just two picks in the first 100 selections and are without their fifth-rounder due to their Za’Darius Smith trade. With their roster likely to get more expensive sooner rather than later, more picks might be better than a slightly higher selection.
Washington Commanders – Pick #29
The Commanders have just five picks this year, including just three in the first 204 selections. With a good defensive coach and QB Jayden Daniels, Washington could focus on more players with talent instead of more talented players.
Trade compensation to move up from the first pick in the second round would depend on three variables:
- How far up Cleveland is trying to move
- How many other teams are attempting to make a deal
- If a quarterback is the target of the trade up
The Browns are likely willing to give up whatever it takes if they believe they have to get the quarterback, which would put either third-round pick on the trade market. Future picks and a few veteran players may also be discussed within draft day deals, but players, due to contracts, can be more difficult to deal.
Which team/pick do you think the Browns are most likely to deal up to? Do you think they would make a deal for another position or only for a quarterback?
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