ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Browns “stepped up their efforts” to acquire #2 overall pick from the Rams and included “at least” three first-round picks.
Schefter’s source mentions that the Browns were preparing to throw in a second-round pick but by then the Redskins had already secured a deal with the Rams. Cleveland actually “sensed (they were) going to get the deal done” but they ultimately played their cards wrong.
The Browns were reportedly reluctant to include the #22 overall pick in a trade and slow playing things wound up effecting their chances of getting a deal finalized.
You’d have to think that Cleveland would now turn their attention to Matt Flynn who will be available as of Tuesday but some reports have mentioned that they could try to draft Ryan Tannehill at some point. The Texas A&M quarterback is likely to make his way into the top ten as the draft nears so the Browns would have to decide if they wanted to trade back or possibly use their #4 overall pick on him.
I’d be surprised to see them draft Tannehill as #4 when Justin Blackmon will almost certainly be sitting there.
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Seems like the Browns have options. I could see them taking a stud WR like Blackmon, then trading up to take Tannehill. That is in fact they think Colt McCoy is not the answer or needs to be pushed. They could also look at Weeden, Foles and Osweiler in the latter stages. Good position for the Browns even though they missed out on RG3
Sometimes missing out an opportunity like moving up for RGIII can be a blessing. Cleveland has said that they value their draft picks as much as anyone so they should have plenty of options in the upcoming draft, especially at quarterback. For what it’s worth, I think they’ll end up with one of Tannehill, Weeden or Osweiler. I can only see them grabbing Weeden if they pass on Flynn because you’re not going to draft a 29 year old QB to sit behind a high priced free agent.