A growing narrative surrounding the NFL draft is the Cleveland Browns could bypass a quarterback with their No. 2 selection and then trade back into the first round to secure a signal-caller. First-round picks come with a coveted fifth-year team option and given the Browns are in a big mess with their salary cap, every decision must be weighed through the lens of maximizing every dollar spent.
That's why FOX Sports' David Helman projects the Browns will trade up from No. 33 to swap with the Los Angeles Rams at No. 26 to take Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe.
"If a third quarterback is going to go in the first round, this feels like a solid spot," wrote Helman.
"The Rams don't have a second-round pick right now, so I bet they'd listen if the Browns offered picks No. 33 and 67 to move up seven spots. Milroe is a classic project. He's going to need time to develop as an NFL passer. But his natural talent and athleticism are worth taking a chance on. Who better to work with him than two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski?"
Milroe passed for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. He also ran for 726 yards and 20 touchdowns.
In Luke Easterling's scouting report for Milroe, he touts the 6-foot-2, 225-pound signal-caller's athletic prowess.
"Milroe's explosiveness as an athlete is evident from the moment you turn on the tape. He's a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, whether he's breaking off long runs or creating extra time outside the pocket and looking for big plays down the field."
The Browns have two quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett, on their roster. Watson re-ruptured his Achilles' tendon and underwent surgery in January to repair it. It's believed he could miss all of the 2025 season.
After one season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Pickett was traded to the Browns on Wednesday for a fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 4:44 PM.