Potential Crazy NFL Draft Scenarios Affecting the Browns
Oct 20, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback
Sam Bradford(8) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Draft is here! And I don’t know about you, but my favorite drafts turn into anarchy. Here are some very real possibilities/rumors that could do just that.
Crazy Scenario: The St. Louis Rams Trade Sam Bradford, grab Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel with the #2 pick.
Why It Could Happen: There’s been some speculation on this but this could be a very real possibility, especially with rumors that the Houston Texans will take Jadeveon Clowney. Would the Rams pass up their franchise quarterback again (after the trade giving way to Robert Griffin III)? Sam Bradford has played very well so far but has been injured 3 of the last 5 years. It doesn’t matter how good you are if you’re not on the field to play well. Can you really build your future on the shoulder of an injury prone quarterback? Bradford wasn’t drafted by this front office and good is only good if it’s performing on the field. Bradford went 3-4 last year and has an 18-30-1 record so far. Far from a quarterback record you would have to stay with after 5 years. If Bradford falls to injury again, this team is back to an early round pick and the 10th consecutive season without a playoff. When is enough? Plus this is a deep draft. Trade Bradford and what would someone trade for it? Would the Cleveland Browns give up their #26? Then it’s possible to grab Sammy Watkins (or Greg Robinson) at #2, Taylor Lewan at #13 and then grab Teddy Bridgewater with the #26 revamping their offense in one swoop. Or even grab Robinson, then trading up from #13 for Mike Evans or staying put grabbing a sliding (or perfect spot, depending on who you ask) Bortles or Manziel, the possibilities are endless.
How It Affects the Browns: The Browns could be that trade partner to take Sam Bradford. You already know what he can do and it’s pretty solid. They also are stock-piled on picks so it might not have to be the #26 if the Rams like Bortles or Manziel enough. Even if not, the Rams could take one, or the one, quarterback that the Browns want, leaving them to trade down or go to option 2. Worse yet, if the Browns like only Bortles and Manziel, Bortles could go #1 and Manziel #2 leaving the Browns without any options they like. Or crazy and worse still, the Texans take Bortles, the Rams with Bridgewater and Jaguars with Manziel leaving the Browns with nothing.
Why It Probably Won’t Happen: Though Bradford wasn’t drafted by this organization, they seem to like him and he’s proven to be a great quarterback with less than a stellar surrounding cast, also the reason for the not so good looking record. It’s hard to find a quarterback who can throw for 35 touchdowns and only 17 INTs still being only 26. You know what you have in Bradford and do you really want to turn the offense over to 3 rookies? None of the quarterbacks were rated as high as Bradford coming out of college. His injuries don’t seem to have any consistency in any place so it’s possible he never misses any time after coming back.
Chances of It Happening: I’d give this a 3.5/10. It’s possible but this would be higher if two of the quarterbacks were considered can’t miss. If they skipped on RG3 they’ll probably skip on one of these. You never know though, a team can see something they absolutely love and go for it. Not a bad idea, and I don’t think I’d be over surprised, but surprised none the less.