Browns Consider Trading No. 4 Overall Pick

The Browns plan to keep the No. 1 pick, but they could trade their other first-round selection. The Browns have had a lot of conversations about the No. 4 selection, sources tell Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link). Those talks could be a part of due diligence, but the Browns may also be also considering a scenario in which they get a large haul for the No. 4 choice from a team desperate to take their desired quarterback. 

One decision-maker told Rapoport (Twitter link) that the No. 4 pick is the “pivotal point in the draft.” If the Browns were to keep both the No. 1 and No. 4 picks, the assumption is that a QB would be taken with the first pick and a non-QB would go at No. 4. If another team steps up and takes a QB at No. 4, it increases the likelihood that four QBs will be taken within the top 5. That would spell good news for teams that are already set under center and put other clubs in need of a passer in a precarious spot.

If the Giants select running back Saquon Barkley – as many believe they will – and pick Nos. 1, 3, 4, and 5 are all used on QBs, many of this year’s top overall talents will be available outside of the top five. The Colts, in particular, would be in a position to benefit. After already landing three second-round picks to trade down from No. 3 to No. 6, the Colts could command a serious haul if defensive end Bradley Chubb, Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, Florida State safety Derwin James, and Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are all on the board. The Colts could also stand pat and select one of this year’s best players available for themselves.

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