Report: Browns Considering A Trade Up For A Quarterback

Sources tells Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report that the Browns are expected to seriously consider trading up for a quarterback in this year’s draft, even though they spent a first-round pick on Johnny Manziel just a year ago.

According to Cole, Cleveland has already been weighing the idea because they like Oregon QB Marcus Mariota “so much” and FSU QB Jameis Winston “too a lessor degree.”

Cole mentions that the belief within the Browns is that must find a true franchise quarterback, and there are already doubts about whether Manziel will ever be that type of player.

Given the issues with Manziel and Josh Gordon, Cole mentions that there is a “tremendous amount of fear” for their future, which is why they are giving strong consideration to the idea of trading up for one of the top two quarterback prospects.

The Browns are the only team with multiple first-round picks as they own both No. 12 and No. 19 overall.

Assuming the Buccaneers take either Mariota or Winston at No. 1 overall, the Titans would be in a perfect position to auction off the No. 2 overall pick.

While I’m sure the Browns will at least consider the idea of drafting Winston, he too comes with some question marks regarding his previous off-the-field behavior. With this in mind, it wouldn’t be shocking to hear that their preference would be to move up for the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner.

Manziel checked himself into rehab last week, so he’s clearly trying to take the necessary steps to get things turned around. However, his future with the team is still going to come down to his ability to improve as an NFL quarterback.

This will definitely be an interesting situation to watch in the coming months.