CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As NFL Draft season heats up, the Browns find themselves in an enviable position with the sixth overall pick. But will they actually make that selection, or is another trade-down scenario brewing in Berea?
The analytical approach of Browns General Manager Andrew Berry suggests the latter might be more likely, especially with a quarterback class that’s thin on buzz beyond presumed first overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
“As we get closer to the NFL draft and the stock of quarterbacks other than Fernando Mendoza starts to go up, don’t you think it would be wise for the Browns to trade down from No. 6 to collect more picks from other quarterback-hungry teams?” a fan asked on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast.
The answer from Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot was illuminating: “We know that that’s sort of the analytics bent of this front office. And if you can maximize a high pick like that and somebody sees a quarterback that they really want there, then yes, I think that that’s definitely going to be on the table.”
Berry has proven he’s not afraid to move premium draft capital for additional assets. Last year, he orchestrated a blockbuster deal trading the second overall pick to Jacksonville for multiple first-round selections, including this year’s sixth pick.
The Browns’ current situation makes another trade particularly appealing. Cleveland has publicly acknowledged they’re in a rebuilding phase, and with needs at offensive tackle, wide receiver and other positions, acquiring multiple picks could accelerate that process.
“One of the main reasons why is because they’re not bashful right now about acknowledging that they’re in rebuilding mode,” Cabot explained. “And when you are in rebuilding mode, then you’re looking for opportunities like that. You’re looking to maximize a pick like that.”
The quarterback factor could be especially significant. With teams always desperate for franchise signal-callers, the sixth pick could become extremely valuable if some quarterbacks see their stock rise and a team believes another potential starter remains available at that spot.
Berry’s approach would likely mirror last year’s strategy, where the Browns were careful not to trade too far down the board. They deliberately remained within range to select defensive tackle Mason Graham, whom they viewed as the last elite-tier player in that class.
“Last year, when they traded down, they were very deliberate about making sure they didn’t trade out of a spot to where they could get, they viewed Mason Graham as that last really elite player in that draft,” podcast host Dan Labbe noted.
The Browns could also potentially find themselves in a position where safety Caleb Downs is available at No. 6, but Cleveland is committed to addressing offense with their top pick. If multiple teams covet Downs, it could create another bidding war for the selection.
The only scenario where a trade-up seems plausible would be if the Browns become convinced about a quarterback prospect. “The only way I see them possibly trading up from No. 6 is if they have determined that Ty Simpson is a bona fide future franchise quarterback and you can get your hands on him and he’s your guy and that’s what you want to do,” Cabot said.
Barring that unlikely scenario, expect Berry to be working the phones extensively as draft day approaches. Whether it’s leveraging quarterback-needy teams or finding partners who covet another position, the sixth pick represents a prime opportunity for the Browns to continue accumulating the assets needed for a successful rebuild.
As Cabot concluded, “If Andrew Berry can come up with another blockbuster deal like that, I think he would be all about it.”
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