NFL Draft 2012: 7 Trade-Down Scenarios for the Cleveland Browns at No. 4
Despite many fans' disdain for the Eric Mangini regime, one of the Browns' best moves in the first round came under the watch of "Man-Genius." One of these strokes of skill or divine providence—depending on who you ask—came in 2009, when the Browns traded down three picks, leaving Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman with the Jets and Bucs, respectively. They traded down again with the Eagles, who took Jeremy Maclin.
The Browns selected Alex Mack 21st overall. From 2009-'11, Mack surrendered a stingy 3.75 sacks and made the Pro Bowl in 2010. In 2011, he played through a hernia. If the Browns emulate that move in 2009, they will contend for the Super Bowl sooner than fans realize.
These speculations are just that: speculation. In no way do I predict any of these potential transactions to come to fruition.
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6th: St. Louis Rams (Justin Blackmon)
1 of 7The Rams scored two future No. 1 picks in their deal that will likely send Robert Griffin III to Washington. The Browns could still cash out on RG III, as the Rams recently lost top receiver Brandon Lloyd to New England this week.
As New England will be Lloyd's third team in as many seasons after his notoriously confrontational stint under Joe Gibbs in Washington, the Rams they may be better off without the NFL's leading receiver in 2010. If Blackmon slips to sixth, no question the Rams will snatch up the stud out of Stillwater. The Rams have extra picks to play with and an exciting prospect like Blackmon could tempt management enough to pull the trigger.
Potential Options at 6th:
CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
7th: Jacksonville Jaguars (Justin Blackmon, Riley Reiff)
2 of 7The Jaguars threw for a paltry 12 touchdowns in 2011 and any time your running back emerges as one of your top receiving options, your offense plays under a very real performance ceiling.
Both the Browns and the Jaguars traveled to Blackmon's pro day, surely Jacksonville would listen to a trade offer. Even for a second or third round pick, the Browns could drop to No. 7 and still find themselves with a quality player or more trade down offers.
Potential Options at 7th:
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
8th: Miami Dolphins (Ryan Tannehill)
3 of 7The Dolphins have lost out on Matt Flynn to Seattle, the Miami Herald reports. Peyton Manning, once whispered to consider taking his talents to South Beach, but looks to be decided on Denver.
The Dolphins' fan base demand a high profile quarterback acquisition—their options unfortunately depend on Peyton's destination. Now that he seems decided to be a bronco, a trade for Tim Tebow seems likely.
If Manning picks Denver and the Dolphins find themselves in a position where their fans clamor day and night for a new quarterback, the Browns can strike.
Potential Options at 8:
CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
15th: Philadelphia Eagles (Blackmon)
4 of 7Last season DeSean Jackson disappointed Eagles management and fans when he fumbled on the field, and sent a questionable message when he slept through a special teams meeting off the field.
Trade and contract dispute rumors persistently swirl around the lightning-fast Tom Heckert selection. The Browns could potentially score Jackson and the 15th pick in a deal sending Blackmon to Philadelphia. If the Eagles are expressing interest in Plaxico Burress, why wouldn't they be interested in Blackmon?
The deal would give them exactly what they would need to replace Jackson and would be an ideal exit strategy for Andy Reid and the Eagles front office.
Potential Options at 15th:
G David DeCastro, Stanford
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
16th: New York Jets (Blackmon, Richardson)
5 of 7Plaxico Burress is considering joining the Philadelphia Eagles via free agency, according to NFL.com.
The Jets' passing offense can ill afford to lose a player who commands the attention Burress does of opposing defensive backfields. The pressure on Mark Sanchez would mount exponentially. This kind of big splash trade would satiate the activity-hungry New York sports media.
Potential Options at 16th:
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
G David DeCastro, Stanford
WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
18th: San Diego Chargers (Claiborne, Reiff, Blackmon)
6 of 7The Bolts lost Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson to an ungodly contract in Tampa Bay.
Malcolm Floyd will not carry the team as a No. 1 receiver and Antonio Gates isn't getting any younger. The Chargers missed the playoffs last season and still have 1,000 receiving yards to replace.
Potential Options at 18th:
WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
G David DeCastro, Stanford
OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
19th: Chicago Bears (Blackmon)
7 of 7The Bears have yet to provide Cutler with a legitimate cockpit in Chicago, as running back Matt Forte eclipsed free agent acquisition Roy Williams for much of the season in receiving yardage. Brandon Marshall and Justin Blackmon would complete the Bears' roster at the skill positions.
Potential Options at 19th:
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
G David DeCastro, Stanford
OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
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