Cleveland Browns: Biggest Competition For Mahomes Could Be Arizona

The Cleveland Browns are not the only ones that are intrigued by Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Which quarterback in the upcoming draft does the Cleveland Browns like and prefer above everyone else? That answer only can be found in their headquarters and soon enough we will know that answer.

Perhaps no quarterback is seriously being considered, but given the need at the position, that is very unlikely. Everyone seems to have their favorite quarterback this year, unlike past drafts where there is more of a consensus.

Let’s say that Cleveland does in fact want Patrick Mahomes and he is listed as their top quarterback. Great, but there are multiple teams who also could use his help.

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In addition to the Browns, the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears come to mind immediately as teams who have been regularly linked to the former Red Raiders product. However, one team that has not received as much hype i the Arizona Cardinals.

They have their short-term quarterback in Carson Palmer, but that won’t last too much longer. Possibly selecting Mahomes would give them their guy for the future. Of all the other quarterback-needy teams, could Arizona really be the biggest competition to Cleveland as both hope to land Mahomes?

The Cardinals very well could be. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King of the Monday Morning Quarterback gave caution surrounding a potential partnership between Mahomes and Cleveland with Arizona looming right behind them in the draft.

"My gut: If it’s Mahomes the Browns covet, they can stay at 12 and pick him. But one bit of warning … The Cardinals like Mahomes. They pick 13th. They might love him. Beware, Cleveland. Arizona GM Steve Keim’s a bold guy."

Seeing Arizona selecting Mahomes at 13 or trading up to draft him would not be surprising. Given the interest in him, expecting him to last past the top 15 may not happen.

To secure Mahomes, Cleveland will have to strongly consider taking him at 12. Otherwise, they risk losing him to Arizona or any other team that could trade up for Mahomes.

Speaking of trades, Cleveland has the capital to make the necessary trade if needed. The rest of the NFL knows that too and because of that could be tempted to taking Mahomes earlier than they want too or possibly forcing teams to trade an arm and a leg ahead of Cleveland to draft Mahomes.

By the end of the first day of the draft, Mahomes should be a member of the Browns, Bears, Cardinals, Texans, or Kansas City Chiefs. If it were me, I would do what I can to select him. Otherwise, hope Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer and/or Clemson’s Deshaun Watson somehow made their way to 33.

Don’t rule out the possibiility of Arizona making that stance in hopes that Cleveland takes Mahomes, so they can perhaps have Kizer and/or Watson fall to them. It is the season of speculation and half-truths after all.

Next: Dream Scenarios For The 2017 NFL Draft

The days till the draft cannot get here fast enough and maybe, just maybe, Cleveland will surprise us all in a positive fashion during the three-day event!

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