Cleveland Browns: Trading Down Buzz Increasing

The Cleveland Browns have really ramped up their rumor machine to make it known their desire to hold the 2nd pick is at an end.

Now that the Los Angeles Rams are firmly planted at #1 and figure to take a quarterback of their choosing, it has put the pressure squarely on the Browns at #2 to make a tough decision.  Most expected them to take a quarterback and would have their choice of the top two in Jared Goff and Carson Wentz what with Tennessee not needing one.  That has changed thanks to the Rams, who it would seem may be in line to take the very player the Browns coveted at quarterback.

If so, that would explain why they have grown far more interested in trading down over the past couple days according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

This creates an interesting situation.  If Cleveland does end up trading out of that spot, it would mark the first time in the history of the NFL draft where the first two picks were traded to other teams.  It then becomes a question of just how far back they’re willing to drop.  This team is sorely in need of a rebuilding effort after losing several key players to free agency.  Here is a breakdown of teams that may have interest in moving up

Dallas Cowboys

• With Tony Romo aging and suffering more frequent injuries, it makes perfect sense the team would want to seize the opportunity to find his replacement.  At the same time, word is they highly covet Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.  With San Diego picking ahead of them and also needing DB help, moving up to #2 would be something the Cowboys must consider.

San Francisco 49ers

• Colin Kaepernick has given no indication his desire to be traded has slackened, and the possibility is still very real.  With that being the case, the 49ers have to think about their future at the position.  They have the most picks in the draft, so it’s quite realistic for them to be able to make the move if GM Trent Baalke is open to it.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Word is the Birds were heavily in the negotiations for the move up to #1.  Seems they might not have the complete confidence in Sam Bradford some thought.  If they were willing to go that high, then it stands to reason they’d have no fear of jump to #2 either, assuming there is still a quarterback they want on the board.

New York Jets

• This is the big wild card of the bunch.  Rumors persist that the team tried to work something out with Tennessee but could reach the price level that Los Angeles did.  Perhaps they may try again since they so obviously need an answer at quarterback having failed to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick.