As sidekick Robin said to Batman in the 1960’s hit TV series, “HOLY HABADASHERY BATMAN!” This was essentially the response I had when hearing of the news this weekend of the Cleveland Browns possibly trading down in this year’s upcoming NFL draft. The Cleveland Plain Dealer sites a league source as saying “There’s a decent chance” that the Browns will trade down. The source goes on to note that at least four different teams have expressed interest in acquiring the Browns 4th overall draft pick including the Rams, and Eagles.

The logic behind this move to me is baffling. If this turns out to be true, and the Browns do indeed trade down with “ANY” team, I believe that I would be forced to light myself on fire. However, the sad reality is I do not believe I would be alone in this thought. What does Holmgren and Heckert see in this draft that tells them moving down is the smart option? Are the reports earlier in the off-season true about multiple top 10 prospects do not want to play for Cleveland?

In this year’s draft, there are six “blue chip” position players in the top ten. At least three of them are expected to be available when the Browns select at 4th overall. Among these potential picks are RB Trent Richardson from Alabama, WR Justin Blackmon out of Oklahoma State, CB Morris Claiborne out of LSU, and OT Matt Kalil from USC. Any of which would make an instant impact on a Browns team that needs to fill a lot of holes on their roster.

It has been long expected that Kalil was going to be selected by the Vikings who pick 3rd overall. However, recent statements made by Viking General Manager Rick Spielman have made it clear they are open to a trade. Combine this with the speculation that Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M may be a reason for the Dolphins to take the Vikings slot and it makes the Browns pick coveted due to the possible availability of Kalil. It is also thought that Blackmon may also be a target of some team’s interest in moving up. Add to the mix that a NFL executive has stated at least half of the teams holding top ten picks are looking to move down and it is a recipe for absolute craziness.

Granted I am not a scout or General Manager for a NFL franchise (if only wishing made it so, and dear Mike Holmgren I would love to work for you), and I do not have all the available information on each 1st round prospect in this year’s draft. But why would any team want to move out of a slot in which you have an opportunity to grab a top rated player prospect? Players such as Trent Richardson do not come along every year. Players like Matt Kalil are coveted because they are rare. Why would you want to pass one of these guys up?

At any rate two things are clear to me at this point leading up to the draft. The first is that we MUST expect the unexpected. Anything short of Zombie apocalypse can happen. And secondly, there will be a run on all heartburn medications in the state of Ohio leading up to April 26th and the draft aftermath so “stock-up” now.