Is Ndamukong Suh Worth Trading Down from #4 to #10?

Oct 13, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Lions beat the Browns 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns may be in the sweet spot of the NFL draft. History general has had the Browns 1 or 2 spots away but in a draft with 4 stud players the Browns have the fourth pick, instead of the 5th or 6th that has seemed to be their luck. Many teams have been said to be interested in moving up for Sammy Watkins, Khalil Mack and Jadeveon Clowney (almost no way he is there at #4). The Browns have needs that Watkins, Mack and Clowney, along with Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews and others, could fill at #4 but could they be willing to move down? Ndamukong Suh may be available via trade according to CBS Sports:

"The Lions are exploring trading standout defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, according to Bleacher Report.Suh hasn’t attended the start of Detroit’s voluntary offseason workouts and he’ll make a base salary of $12.55 million this season (and will count $22.4 million against the 2014 salary cap) — and because he’s considered a team leader (as well as one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL), this has struck some in the organization as disappointing.Or, at least, a little bit curious, especially as the team tries to get integrated with a new coaching staff."

(We couldn’t find the link to the BR story so had to go with this one from CBS Sports which mentions the report.)

Should the Browns be interested in Suh? He would fit in at 3-4 defensive end and give the team a disruptive front 7 to rival the best in the game. Yet he also is due a contract extension, along with what seems like all of the Browns good players. Would he be worth the trade and money needed to keep him around?

He hasn’t played in the 3-4 defense but needless to say he would be a stud no matter what system he plays in. He would give Mike Pettine a disruptive line that could all play multiple positions in his hybrid scheme. The linebackers would be freed up to make more plays as both Suh and Phil Taylor would need double team attention on most plays. The defensive backfield would have to cover for less time given all the pressure the front 7 could put on them.

The Browns may be able to acquire Suh by simply moving down from 4 to 10. Some trade proposals actually assume the Lions would have to give up more, say a 3rd round pick, to make that type of move. The Browns could acquire another 2nd day pick, Suh and only have to move down 6 spots. At that point they could take one of the QBs that might fall, possibly be in line for Justin Gilbert at corner or even Mike Evans at WR.

Suh has tons of leverage in contract negotiations, no matter what team has him:

"As former NFL agent Joel Corry writes, a franchise tag for Suh in 2015 would cost about $26.87 million, and that gives Suh plenty of leverage to land a friendly long-term extension with Detroit if the Lions want to keep him."

So the Browns would have to be confident in their ability to re-sign Suh to a contract that they deem appropriate. It would be an ultimate win now move for the team. The Lions would likely only make the move if Watkins was available at #4. Many would be disappointed in not getting one of the top 4 guys but the idea of Suh in Cleveland would move the needle, even if the contract cost is huge.

Would you make the deal? What do you think of Suh’s worth to the Browns? Who would you target at #10 then?