Browns Draft Notes: Jackson, Ward
- If the Browns move down from No. 4, they could target Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward further down the board, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Browns have already made some additions at cornerback, but they’re looking for another starter. If they land Ward, you can expect Cleveland to trade Jamar Taylor.
- Earlier today, reports indicated that Browns head coach Hue Jackson wasn’t sure what the organization would do with the first-overall pick. However, Steve Wyche of NFL Network tweets that Jackson is “fully in the loop” regarding Cleveland’s draft plans. Jackson, along with several coordinators, have seen the front office’s draft board.
[SOURCE LINK]
Browns Shopping No. 4 Pick
Could the Browns use the No. 4 pick as ammunition to acquire even more selections? That might be the case, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter) reports that Cleveland has shopped the pick.
Cleveland would presumably have a number of suitors, as several teams are reportedly looking to move up in the first round, including the Packers and Cardinals. There were whispers that the Bills could pull off a deal for the Giants’ second-overall selection, but reports indicated that Buffalo wouldn’t “sell out” to acquire the pick. If the Bills were indeed interested in trading for that Giants pick, they could perhaps switch their focus to the Browns’ fourth-overall pick, although that’s merely speculation on my part.
What would it take for a team to acquire the Browns’ pick? We can somewhat refer to the trade that the Jets and Colts pulled off last month. Indy ended up sending No. 3 to New York in exchange for a first-rounder (No. 6), a pair of upcoming seconds (No. 37 and No. 49), and a 2019 second-round pick. It’s uncertain if the Browns could receive a similar package for the fourth pick, although suitors may have a bit of leverage. After all, we learned last week that the Broncos would move the No. 5 pick for the right price.
The Browns originally acquired the No. 4 pick from Houston in a draft-day deal that allowed the Texans to select quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cleveland currently has five selection in the first two rounds, including the top-overall pick.
NFL Draft Rumors: Browns, Price, Broncos
The Browns‘ No. 1 pick remains a mystery to everyone, including head coach Hue Jackson, according to Robert Klemko of The MMQB (on Twitter). He also adds that Dorsey has already made his determination, contrary to what has been leaked to the press.
On Wednesday morning, it was reported that the Browns are likely to select either Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen or Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield. Of course, that could just be a smokescreen as many still believe the Browns will take USC’s Sam Darnold.
Here’s the latest NFL Draft buzz:
- On Wednesday, the doctor for Billy Price announced that the Ohio State offensive lineman will be ready for training camp (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Now that Price is on track for this summer, it seems likely that he’ll still go within the first 32 picks. Price could be one of several interior offensive linemen to come off of the board in the bottom third of the first round.
- The Broncos have received calls from teams interested in what it would take to trade up to their No. 5 pick, James Palmer of NFL.com tweets. GM John Elway has said that he is open to trading, so it’s a situation to keep an eye on.
- Many believe the Vikings will select an offensive lineman with the No. 30 overall pick, but GM Rick Spielman says that’s not necessarily the case, as Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press writes. Instead, Spielman says they could draft a player from four other positions.
Browns, Colts Lead League In Cap Space
The Browns and Colts have the most cap room of any team in the NFL heading into draft, as Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter) notes. Here’s the official rundown of every team’s cap space for 2018 on the eve of draft weekend:
- Browns – $69.5MM
- Colts – $59.8MM
- 49ers – $43.8MM
- Titans – $35.8MM
- Texans -$35.6MM
- Bears – $24.1MM
- Jets – $21.9MM
- Bills – $19.4MM
- Jaguars – $18.6MM
- Cardinals – $18.1MM
- Redskins -$17.1MM
- Bengals – $16.8MM
- Packers – $16.2MM
- Vikings – $15.5MM
- Broncos – $14.6MM
- Patriots – $13.8MM
- Buccaneers – $12.3MM
- Cowboys -$11.9MM
- Chargers – $11.4MM
- Lions – $9.4MM
- Giants -$9.4MM
- Ravens – $8.8MM
- Seahawks – $7.6MM
- Chiefs – $6.7MM
- Saints – $5.7MM
- Panthers – $5.2MM
- Dolphins – $2.9MM
- Eagles – $2.2MM
- Steelers – $2MM
- Raiders – $1.8MM
- Falcons – $1.3MM
- Rams – $264K
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.
Browns To Take Allen Or Mayfield?
For weeks, we have been hearing that the Browns will select either USC quarterback Sam Darnold or Wyoming QB Josh Allen with the top pick. Then, this week, it was reported that Oklahoma signal caller Baker Mayfield is also in the mix. Now, sources say the Browns appear to be down to either Allen or Mayfield as team executives have cooled on Darnold, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com writes. 
Much has been made about Mayfield’s lack of height, but GM John Dorsey has made it clear that he is not concerned. Dorsey has also indicated that he would not rule out Mayfield over his red flags, which include a public intoxication arrest, grabbing his crotch against Kansas, and planting a flag on the Block O at Ohio State.
“Every young man will make a mistake in his life, I bet you,” he said. “And I think he’s very remorseful of that mistake and I think he’s moved forward from that, and he’s trying to make himself a better person, going through the process.”
Allen, meanwhile, has been praised for his arm strength, but his low completion rate in college underscores his lack of accuracy. If the Browns believe that they can harness his raw skills, then he could be a real consideration for the top choice. However, some would argue that he has the most bust potential of this year’s top four quarterback prospects.
Have the Browns truly drifted away from Darnold? At this point, it is impossible to tell whether the Browns are actually deciding between Mayfield and Allen or if they are simply working to try and drum up a better trade offer. Still, it’s a situation worth monitoring as whispers about Darnold’s lack of polish continue to circulate.
Browns GM: No Real Offers For Top Pick
Right now, it sounds like the Browns will be keeping the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Browns GM John Dorsey says he has not received any legitimate trade offers for the top choice (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Steve Wyche). Meanwhile, he claims that he is keeping the identity of the No. 1 pick under wraps
“I haven’t even told my wife,” Dorsey said.
Since 1990, the No. 1 overall pick has been traded just six times before draft day. The most recent occurrence took place in 2016 when the Rams acquired the top choice in the draft in order to select quarterback Jared Goff. The Rams are happy with how things turned out, though the Titans did come away with four starters as a result of that deal in running back Derrick Henry, wide receiver Corey Davis, tight end Jonnu Smith, and offensive lineman Jack Conklin.
Teams have almost certainly engaged in trade talks with the Browns regarding the top pick, but it’s a tricky calculation for any club. The Browns are ostensibly asking for a lot and, so far, no one is willing to meet that sticker price.
Browns Being Considered For 'Hard Knocks'?
- A source told Michael Lombardi of the Ringer (on Twitter) that the Browns are being considered for the upcoming season of “Hard Knocks.”
Browns Could Trade CB Jamar Taylor
If the Browns take a cornerback early, cornerback Jamar Taylor is expected to be made available via trade, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) hears. The Browns added three free agent cornerbacks this year and drafting one in the first or second round would likely squeeze Taylor out of the picture. 
[RELATED: Browns Considering Baker Mayfield With No. 1 Pick?]
Taylor, 28 in September, is set to enter the second year of his three-year, $15MM deal. The former second-round pick had the best year of his career in 2016 as he hauled in three interceptions and 57 total tackles, but he took a step back in 2017. New GM John Dorsey traded Jason McCourty to the Patriots for a late draft pick after a strong showing in ’17, so there’s little question that the Browns would be open to moving on from Taylor.
Already, Taylor sits no higher than third on the Browns’ CB depth chart after the signings of T.J. Carrie and E.J. Gaines. Meanwhile, newcomers Terrance Mitchell and Denzel Rice will push for time in support.
Browns Considering Baker Mayfield?
For weeks, we’ve heard that the Browns will select either USC’s Sam Darnold or Wyoming’s Josh Allen with the No. 1 overall pick. Reportedly, it’s more than a two-horse race. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is “definitely” in Cleveland’s conversation to become the top choice, an NFL executive tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 
It’s a little hard to parse out what news is real this time of year. But, taken at face value, it sounds like there could be a split of opinions within the Cleveland front office. None of this year’s quarterback prospects are considered to be slam dunks, so it’s possible that the Browns are wavering on which signal caller to take.
It’s also possible that the Browns are working to give the impression that they could take Mayfield or even one of this year’s non-QBs at No. 1 overall. If the Browns can give at least one team the impression they are going to select Mayfield, it could open the door to a trade-down scenario for Cleveland. The Jets, for example, are said to be high on Mayfield, and it is conceivable that they could make another move up in this year’s draft order to land him. The Bills, armed with the Nos. 12 and 22 picks in the first round, are also in the market for a QB but are likely out of range for this year’s top four signal callers.
Publicly, GM John Dorsey has indicated that he is not concerned about Mayfield’s lack of size, which has been the main knock on him from evaluators.
“The only thing I care about is, do guys win?” Dorsey said. “Does he have accuracy? Does he have a strong arm? Can he throw the ball in the red zone in tight windows? Can he drive the ball? At the end of the game, does he win? That’s what I look for.”