Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is “firmly in the mix” to be selected by the Browns with the first overall pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Indeed, Barkley would likely be Cleveland’s choice if the draft occurred today, per Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Barkley is fresh off dominating the NFL’s scouting combine, as he ranked in the 96th percentile or greater among halfbacks in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical jump. He also topped 1,000 yards rushing in each of his three seasons with the Nittany Lions, and reached the end zone 43 times over his final two collegiate years.
Selecting Barkley at No. 1 overall would mean the Browns would likely select a quarterback at No. 4, and Cleveland reportedly likes Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield “a lot,” per Garafolo. Of course, if the Browns don’t select Mayfield — or another signal-caller –with the first overall selection, there’s no guarantee their preferred option would be available three picks later. However, given the small three-space gap in their first-round slots, the Browns would be assured of landing one of Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, or Josh Allen at No. 4.
As Rapoport notes, a running back has not been drafted first overall since the Bengals took Ki-Jana Carter — like Barkley, a Penn State alum — in 1995. Running back has become something of a devalued position, especially contractually, but Barkley would be entitled to a $8.2MM annual salary if selected at No. 1. That figure would immediately place Barkley among the top-three highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
Saquon and baker and I’ll be happy-browns fan
Only makes sense if they are convinced the Giants would take Barkley #2 otherwise. Unless the Colts trade down, they’re not going to take a QB so what the Browns do at #1 and #4 basically revolves on what they think the Giants will do at #2.
I would take Saquon at 1 and then take a QB at 4, because you know that Indy almost definitely won’t take a QB then it just depends on if the giants draft one and which one they take.
Well said. Saquon at 1. Best player available. At 4 they can still get a top QB or can trade down, even, and gain more picks. I think the Browns will try to handle the QB position in FA. They still might take a QB high, depending on which QB they sign.
Yup I agree. Having 1 and 4 is a luxury. If they don’t trade one of the 1st rd picks gotta go Barkley at 1 and grab best QB at 4.
Take Barkley at 1 get Darnold or mayfield at 4. Whichever qb they prefer. It makes the most sense.
Who knows maybe Rosen will be there still. Allen definitely deserves a look
Nah no qb would be dumb enough to go to cleveland and waste his prime there
Cash is king
What a moron. Go back to your mother’s basement and wait for her to tell you dinner’s ready.
Mahhhh the meatloaf…
I thought the browns were going to draft a qb 1 overall no matter what. But after Barkley straight up dominated at the combine and Broncos apparently willing to hand over a kings ransom for moving up 4 spots, I can see the browns doing something else at 1 overall and going after McCarron more aggressively and unfortunately signing him to a rather large deal. Even though he hasn’t played enough to deserve a deal that large.
Shouldn’t an 0-16 team be open to any player that could help them?
Yes but this is the Browns
Giants should try and get the #1 pick. So they have 1and 2. Give up a few #1’s. 2’s. But Barkley and Josh Allen would be premier!!
Or the Browns could get the Giants pick and have #1,2 &4. They have way more assets than the Giants and could easily afford to do that. Then they could draft Barkley, a QB and Fitzpatrick.
Neither team is going to do that. The Giants aren’t moving the #2 pick this year for future picks/second round picks this year. Same with the Browns, they aren’t moving the #1 pick for future firsts. While quantity is nice, the Giants are unlikely to finish with a bottom 5 pick again next year (barring injuries) and the Browns can’t keep pushing back their franchise QB search another year. If they don’t take a QB this year, they might as well not even bother taking one next year. Heck, who even needs a QB…just direct snap the ball to the RB every play.
Sign Cousins , draft Chubb and Barkley , hire a nanny for Gordon then start cashing in your chips
Cousins isn’t interested in the Browns.
Barkley at #1, Allen at #4–if he’s still available. If not, FS is also a necessity.
Draft Barkley at #1 and Ridley at #4. Draft O-line in the 2nd round. Then go all out for Cousins or bridgewater
Bridgewater won’t cost much at all. Too much risk of injury. He’ll be signed before the draft.
Ridley at 4 is such a reach. Why not Minkah?
Cuz if they go for a QB in FA they also need receivers to attract him and Ridley is the best WR he’s a top 10 pick. Plus Coleman is getting injured every year and Josh could fall off the wagon any day. Finally I think they can trade for a safety I mean apparently Cards wanna get rid of Mathieu
My hopeful/wishful thinking is Barkley at 1 and Josh Allen at 4
Only if the Brownies think Allen is the QB they didn’t think Wentz would be.
Different regime, remember? Sashi knew squat.
Same owner.
What I would do to fix the Browns:
1) Trade for Jarvis Landry. He’d open things up for Josh Gordon, Coleman, and TE.
2) Sign a FA quarterback- Cousins, Keenum, and Bradford all available
3) Draft Barkeley and Fitzpatrick: I’m no scout but I don’t like any of the top 4 qbs.
Fitzpatrick worries me as a pick. He’s made it known he likes being a slot DB, and the Browns already have a good one. They need a true FS and outside CB.
Plus I’ve never been sold on any DBs coming out of Alabama.
Cousins isn’t interested in Cleveland, Bradford isn’t a long term option, and Keenum doesn’t have the track record to warrant a long term deal yet.
Man I’ve been saying this since the draft order became official. I’d take Barkley at 1. I think if the Giants take a QB they go with Rosen. Who the browns should stay away from. And the colts won’t take a QB. If they trade out and someone comes up for Darnold u still have Allen and Mayfield at 4
Barkley #1 Darnold #4
If I’m the Browns I’m taking the best player available at 1 and not going for another QB… have to. This year it’s Barkley. If they take Barkley at 1 then they still automatically get one of Darnold, Rosen, Allen, Jackson, Mayfield or whoever else they might want. There’s plenty of QBs they could take at 4 and a guy like Barkley doesn’t come around every draft… kid is a freak.
The thing that seems to make sense at least thats in my mind would be for the browns to do, and they have the assets and money to do so:
Sign
AJ McCarron
Resign
Josh Gordon
Trade
for Jarvis Landry
Draft
Saquon Barkley(1st Pick)
Minkah Fitzpatrick(4th Pick)