The Cleveland Browns cannot escape the quarterback rumors. The team has yet to fully express confidence in their current rotation which has many believing they will make changes either by adding or subtracting players during the draft. The Browns hold the No. 12 and No. 19 picks in the first round which is not high enough to get a marquee quarterback. Cleveland is aware they fall just out of reach which is why the team is reportedly talking about trading up.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Browns are getting very active in trade talks with the goal to move into the top five picks. Rapoport writes Cleveland has been in discussion with the Washington Redskins about getting their No. 5 pick. Speculation will of course run wild that this move is for Marcus Mariota considering Rapoport has been reporting for weeks that the Browns are very interested in the former Oregon star and are trying to find out ways to acquire him. The question is whether or not No. 5 is high enough.
Mariota is predicted to be the second player off the board. According to ESPN draft expect Todd McShay, the Tennessee Titans will either draft Mariota or trade the pick to another team who has the same intentions. Moving up to No. 5 might not do anything for the Browns. Cleveland will only explore this trade if Mariota falls out of the top two picks.
The Browns have made it clear they are interested in adjusting the quarterback position. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, head coach Mike Pettine continues to hint that the Oregon quarterback is a possibility while general manager Ray Farmer wants to acquire the best players available. The team has publically supported Johnny Manziel and has made it clear that getting another quarterback option does not factor in to his future. Right now Josh McCown and Manziel are all the Browns have meaning they need better depth regardless.
Cleveland could be eyeing a move up the boards for a skill position player as well. Considering the depth of this year's draft class at both the wide receiver and running back spots, a jump up to No. 5 seems completely unnecessary. The Browns have eyed Amari Cooper, Kevin White, DeVante Parker and Todd Gurely as first-round options, but they could easily get one of them at No. 12 and save their picks.
If the Browns want Mariota, moving up to No. 5 is the logical option, but only if the quarterback drops. Cleveland could talk to the Titans about a jump to No. 2, but that would seriously cost the team. Farmer has no intentions of wagering a whole draft class on one player so expect the Browns to be smart about the trade deal they make.
