Rebuild Mode: Cleveland Consider Trading Down from No.6 to Stockpile Picks

The biggest questions about the sixth-overall pick in the NFL draft isn’t to much which player the Browns take with it, the team has massive needs across its offensive roster, but rather will the franchise use that selection on a player at all?

The Browns have long been in the rebuilding business and the “asset relocation” business, putting together an analytically-minded front office with execs from other sports involved that has left a lasting impression on owner Jimmy Haslam, even as some of those individuals have moved on. 

Cleveland just hired an older head coach in Todd Monken, who has never done the job before, and the team seems years from contending. Even in more times of more robust rosters, the Browns were generally seen as willing listeners at the very least in regards to trades, and draft trades. 

And with so many holes and wanting to stockpile picks, this may end up being a prime opportunity to trade down.

Will There Be A Market?

Of course, it takes two to tango when it comes to these types of trades, whether they happen just before the draft or while the Browns are on the clock after the fifth selection is made. 

In all likelihood, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the only offensive skill player off the board when Cleveland is up to pick, and with many executives identifying Washington as a prime spot for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and the Browns being connected with Ohio State running back Carnell Tate.

Perhaps they are sitting in a bit of a sweet spot in which some other team will be motivated to move up to grab their pick on the best pass catcher or runner in this draft.

“It’s tough to say now, this soon,” said one general manager, “but like could I see Kansas City going up…? I mean, maybe (Cowboys owner) Jerry (Jones) if he thinks he’s a player away?”

Ultimately it would only take one motivated party. And it could be another team targeting a defensive player, even with a run on them expected with the second pick, who it doesn’t believe will make it out of the top 10 otherwise. 

But if you had to throw a dart right now at a spot where a top-10 trade seems likely, I’d go with the sixth pick. And if not there, Miami at pick seven is a team expected to be open  for business by the time draft week arrives.