The Cleveland Browns held a private workout with top quarterback prospect Cam Ward of Miami, with General Manager Andrew Berry, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, and Owner Jimmy Haslam in attendance.
According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Browns held a private workout with top quarterback prospect Cam Ward from Miami. To this point, most people expect Ward to go number one overall to the Tennessee Titans, who sent a whole congregation to Miami's Pro Day, including team media. However, rumors began yesterday about the Titans willingness to trade out of the top pick. If they were locked into Ward, why would these rumors be circulating? Could it simply be that media members are trying to get clicks as we hit a lull before draft season really ramps up to the finish line?
Another question springs to mind: if the Titans are set on Ward at one, why would the Browns send the top brass down to Coral Gables? Maybe the team doesn't know and they are banking on him sliding to two. Or they hear the same rumors we did yesterday and are exploring a trade up to the first overall pick. As the top quarterback prospect in an underwhelming group overall, they should be making every effort to get to know the player and weigh their options as the team faces a pivotal year for several people, on the field and in the front office.
What might a trade up to number one look like? Based on numerous value charts and previous trades, I'd expect a potential deal to look something like: Pick 2, 2nd or 3rd rounder, and potentially a mid round pick from 2026 for pick 1. There's no guarantee such an offer would be accepted, as there are rumors the Titans would expect more than that to move out of the top spot, but that could be a general guideline were a trade to occur.
I would be remiss if I didn't ask fans to recall 2018, when the Browns had the number one pick and Sam Darnold was the betting favorite for the majority of draft season. Similar to Cam Ward's workout, the Browns sent a large contingent to USC and Jimmy Haslam was seen speaking with Darnold's family. This seemingly confirmed for many that Darnold would be the pick-we all know now that isn't how things went. The Browns picked Baker Mayfield and now, in a long, winding way, find themselves in a similar position to 2018.
Lost in the reports is the details that the Browns also met with tight end David Njoku and his agent Malki Kawa while in Miami. Njoku spent time on radio row expressing his belief in the team, stating that he believes they are close and just need a quarterback who can help right the ship. Njoku is also a Miami alumni, so having him involved in the process makes sense from a recruiting standpoint. Could they also be working on an extension with Njoku? Time will tell.