Cleveland Browns: Ryan Tannehill Worth Trading Up For?

Are the Cleveland Browns interested in trading up to the No. 3 selection in April’s NFL draft in order to pick Ryan Tannehill?

A speculative report from ESPN’s NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert stated the Cleveland Browns may have to trade up to the Minnesota Vikings' No. 3 overall selection if they intend to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. 

Seifert supported this idea by stating:

“I've been circulating through the common(er) areas for the past few hours, and while there is no hard news to report from an NFC North perspective, I can tell you that, based on some background discussions, I've grown increasingly convinced that the Minnesota Vikings' No. 3 overall pick in the draft will legitimately be in play over the next few weeks.”

Seifert also accurately points out that the Browns may not be able to obtain Tannehill, if they were intending to, due to the fact the Miami Dolphins have struck out on the quarterback front this offseason.  Sure, the Dolphins signed David Garrard, but he is clearly not the franchise quarterback Miami has been searching for.

To the Cleveland Browns organization, I ask a couple very important questions:

Is Ryan Tannehill worth it?

Was Colt McCoy really that bad?

Is sacrificing additional draft picks wise at this point in time?

Tannehill, in my opinion, has good potential as an NFL quarterback prospect.  However, his lack of experience, production in a pass happy Big-12 Conference and lack of poise are not going to turn the tide of the struggling Browns’ franchise overnight.

Rob Rang from NFLDraftScout.Com says, “…because he has only started 19 games I have serious reservations about Tannehill's ability to come in and contribute immediately.”

If a player cannot step right into the fold and improve the team, how can sacrificing additional draft picks be justified?

Hopefully Mike Holmgren's "Plan B" of sticking with Colt McCoy and surrounding him with offensive weapons remains the plan come April.

If McCoy fails in 2012 after offensive play-makers have been added to the roster, a quarterback acquisition in 2013 could be in order.  This future quarterback would, after a successful draft, step into a more ideal offensive situation than they would inherit with the current inadequate offense currently on the field for the Browns.

If Tom Heckert does decide to go with Tannehill because of his strong arm, experience in Mike Sherman’s West Coast Offense and his physical tools, it would be hard to blame him for taking the gamble.

However, again and restated for emphasis, it is likely Tannehill too may struggle like Colt McCoy.  He isn't going to be able to do it alone at the NFL level.

That is why I urge caution to Heckert and his staff.  I think Tannehill has the potential to be a great quarterback.  However, if the Miami Dolphins are willing to spend the farm to move up to the No. 3 spot, Heckert should let them do it.

If Tannehill falls to No. 4 and Heckert picks him as the future quarterback of the Browns, I'd be the first to support him.  Also, I’d hope the rest of the draft is focused on securing some offensive weapons for the rookie.

After all, Tannehill’s going to need a team around him, just like anyone else.

Follow Mike on Twitter @BigHoagowski