The Cleveland Browns have been speculated about by nearly every sports network and media outlet to be a potential partner to trade within the upcoming NFL draft. But now, Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman has suggested that Minnesota may be willing to trade out of the number three pick for the right price. And there could be some interest in moving up. At least more interest than you may think. So who is the team looking to move up in front of the Browns and why?
Throughout all of the 2012 draft maneuvering by teams, and speculation by the media, there are only two teams likely to move up ahead of Cleveland and both would be doing so for very different reasons.
Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins
It has been no secret that the Dolphins are desperate for a franchise QB. The team owner Stephen Ross firmly believes that his team is only a QB away from being contenders in 2012. They have been public in their attempts to lure free agents to Miami but with no luck. The team struck out on Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and Alex Smith. They have signed former Jacksonville QB David Gerrard, but he is at most a stop-gap solution. Now with the draft coming up and two of the top three QB’s going 1st and 2nd the Dolphins (if interested in Tannehill) will do whatever it takes to move in front of Cleveland. They may be a serious trade partner with the Vikings and their 3rd overall draft pick.
Justin Blackmon and the St. Louis Rams
Another possible trade partner with the Vikings is the St. Louis Rams. They have already had their big payday in this draft by trading the 2nd overall pick to the Washington Redskins. Having banked multiple picks in not only this draft, but 2013, & 2014 the Rams have the ammunition needed to move up for Justin Blackmon from who is regarded as the top receiver prospect in the draft. There is concern that Cleveland may select him with the 4th pick so moving up is the only way to ensure that coach Jeff Fisher can gets a legitimate weapon for QB Sam Bradford.
And then of course a third possibility (all be it utterly upsetting and outrageous) is the chances of the Browns moving down from the 4th overall pick. Tom Heckert has been known to “wheel and Deal” and trade down in the first round. He has done this for two out of his first three drafts here in Cleveland. He has also done this on occasion during his time in Philadelphia as well. So trading down is not out of the realm of possibility. The trick is to not trade down past the point at which you are guaranteed a “blue chip” payer.
There is a great deal that is unknown in this year’s draft as we quickly approach “D” day, but what we do know is that the uncertainty will generate some fireworks come prime time on draft day.
Michael W. Youngman
(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)
