Browns Draft Rumors: Trading Up From 12 In The 2017 NFL Draft?
In Browns draft rumors, the analytically driven front office may be getting ready to shock the world by trading up from No. 12 in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Just when you think you’ve got a beat on the Browns’ new analytically oriented front office, the powers-that-be say something to make you do a 180.
Trading up in the NFL Draft seems counterproductive in the world of analytics where the focus is usually on stockpiling picks.
Giving away draft picks to come away with one player? Browns executive VP of football operations Sashi Brown doesn’t believe it’s sustainable for long-term success, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see it happen come April 27, via ESPN’s Pat McManamon.
"“We are open to [trading up],” Brown said. “Generally, we value picks. We think no matter how prepared you are, there is always a lot of uncertainty in the draft. Every team misses. We are not going to be different in that regard. We like young talent. We have said the draft is going to be the pipeline.“We don’t want to get into a habit of turning two picks into one, so to speak. We just don’t think that is a good way to do business over time. We have studied this around the league, and it is just our inclination.“It does not mean that if there is a player there we might not go take a shot. We think we are positioned to be able to do that without impacting our draft much.”"
This could all be a smokescreen, since giving up picks to move up goes against the analytics grain.
Just know this: If the Browns do move up to pick a player, you better believe that they really, really, really like said player.
Perhaps it’s Mitch Trubisky, a player whom Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Browns must draft at five, because the Jets will likely take him at No. 6.
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Or perhaps the Browns are fascinated with Buckeye standouts Marshon Lattimore and/or Gareon Conley. Corner isn’t the biggest concern on the Browns right now, but it could be a ginormous problem by mid season. Will Joe Haden come close to Pro Bowl form ever again? What about the spot opposite of Haden? It’s a lot to expect Briean-Boddy Calhoun to be flawless in just his second year.
The Browns like Jamar Taylor, but he’s probably better suited for the slot.
If you’ve been reading my stuff leading up to the draft, you know I’m a big proponent of Trubisky. I wouldn’t take him over Myles Garrett with the No. 1 pick, but I’d use my boatload of assets to move the earth so I could selecting him at No. 5.
If it works out this way, the Browns can truly start focusing on team building. They’ll have their all-world EDGE rusher, as well as their quarterback of the future in place.
Next: 'Goldilocks' Trubisky Just The Right Fit For Hue Jackson
That’s how you win a draft, and if it means trading up, this one time, do it. The words spoken by the front office seem to indicate they know this. Is it just talk? We’ll find out in one week.