Cleveland Browns: Possible trade targets in the 2020 NFL Draft

One of the most polarizing players and tantalizing targets for the Cleveland Browns is Clemson do-it-all defender Isaiah Simmons. Simmons lined up all over the field for the Tigers and was incredibly productive wherever he was. A very impressive combine including a 4.39 40-yard dash time secured his spot as a true top prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Simmons had been mocked right around the 10-12 area frequently early in the draft process. It was clear to pretty much everyone that he could make plays, yet some questioned his positional fit at the next level. But after his combine performance, most evaluators seemed to agree that he doesn’t need A position to thrive in the NFL.

Now, it seems the majority of mock drafts have Simmons coming off the board fourth overall to the New York Giants. If that is the case, it seems highly unlikely that anyone will make the move all the way up to three to jump them. However, if Dave Gettleman and the Giants opt for an offensive tackle and Simmons falls just a bit, the Cleveland Browns could make a move.

With the glaring need at left tackle for the Cleveland Browns, many question if they should even take Simmons if he magically falls to them at 10, let alone trade up for him. But to pass up on a chance to get a dynamic player like Simmons simply because of a need elsewhere may prove to be foolish.

Simmons doesn’t just line up in different positions across the field, he plays incredibly well in all of those different areas. He has the instincts and physicality to be a force in the run game as more of a conventional linebacker (104 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2019).

He has the size and strength, as well as the lateral agility and fluidity as an athlete to cover tight ends, running backs and receivers in man coverage (eight 2019 pass break-ups).

He has great instincts in zone coverage, both deep down the field and up closer to the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed and explosiveness to get there and make a play (three interceptions this past season).

Additionally, Simmons is effective as a blitzer and gap shooter around the line of scrimmage, displayed by his eight sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss as a junior.

Simmons really does it all and will be a difference-maker regardless of where he lines up at the next level. He isn’t perfect, with some occasional lapses out there on the field, but he absolutely makes plays on a regular basis and will do so in the NFL.

The problem the Cleveland Browns may encounter when trying to land Simmons is finding a trade partner willing to pass on Simmons themselves and move back to 10. If the Giants go offensive line and even if both the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers go quarterback or offensive line, passing on Simmons, I can’t imagine that the Carolina Panthers would be willing to do so.

After losing Luke Kuechly to retirement, the Panthers need another playmaker in the middle of their defense. They would likely have a very hard time justifying passing on a player like Simmons given that need. So if the Browns are looking to jump the Panthers, they would need to convince the Dolphins or Chargers to move back, and with their team needs, I’d guess they’d want to stand pat and either take their quarterback of the future or the top offensive tackle left on their board.

The best chance the Browns have in this scenario may be that in addition to the Kuechly departure, Carolina lost nearly their entire defensive line, leaving an even bigger need at that position. If the Panthers really love a guy like Javon Kinlaw or Derrick Brown and are confident they could still land them at 10, maybe they’d be willing to move back.

The Cleveland Browns would likely have to give up at least a third-round pick to move up those three spots, and likely even more if they jump up any farther. Isaiah Simmons is definitely a player that is worth trading up for in the 2020 NFL Draft. And while the Cleveland Browns may have the capital to do so, I’m not so sure they would be willing to give up what will be needed to make it happen.