Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland believes the Browns could be open to trading either DE/OLB Jabaal Sheard or DL Ahtyba Rubin.
- Grossi points out that both players still have market value and believes Sheard could fetch a second-round pick for the Browns.
- Grossi adds that he wouldn’t rule out the Browns taking an outside linebacker at No. 6 overall.
With the Browns implementing a new 3-4 defensive scheme, both players could be shopped around for some additional draft picks that they could use to find player who are better fits for Ray Horton‘s defense.
Cleveland is currently without a second-round pick after they selected WR Josh Gordon in the 2012 Supplemental Draft. Sheard was taken in the second-round of the 2011 draft, so netting a second-round selection for him would be a reasonable return.
Sheard, 23, has tallied 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons in the league, but interestingly enough, Pro Football Focus had him rated as one of the worst 4-3 defensive ends at rushing the passer last season.
Rubin, 26, was taken in the 2008 draft and has been a starter ever since Shaun Rogers left in 2009. Overall, he’s been strong against the run and has the ability provide some interior pass rush from time-to-time.
While the idea is highly speculative, it could be something to watch as the Browns new regime looks to build a new foundation for the team in this year’s draft.
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looks like Tony is inferring that the “new regime” may want to shake things up and start anew(the old…no matter how you value them hasn’t gotten it done). Tony doesn’t deny these are valued players whatsoever…in fact his tone is that there is such value that other teams might trade for them. Maybe with the 3-4 coming in…the thought is Jarvis Jones or Dion Jordan might be an upgrade on Sheard at OLB and i always saw Rubin as more of a NT anyway(we have Phil Taylor)…maybe a Gholston out of Michigan State in the 4th or 5th round
Where do you get these ideas Tony? Jabaal Sheard is one of there best players, Rubin is probably the best run stuffer on the team. If you were running the team, would you trade them for some unknown rookie? I sure wouldn’t. if they don’t fit in after training camp, then trade them. These guys are studs..cmon Tony your better than that bro..