NFL Offseason Swirl Makes Browns' First-Round Pick Unclear

Entering free agency, it would have been safe to say that the Browns would draft  Forest linebacker Aaron Curry with their fifth overall pick, but the swirl of the offseason has changed that.

It started with Curry having a very impressive combine performance. Thus, making teams with earlier picks (Lions, Rams, Chiefs, and Seahawks) have to consider him.

Then the Chiefs traded for quarterback Matt Cassel. With Cassel, the Chiefs won't look at Mark Sanchez as a possible choice and they will address a more pressing need, linebacker. Curry is the best linebacker in the draft, so the Browns may be out on Curry.

With Curry most likely out of the picture, the Browns will have to look elsewhere. Brian Orakpo, the defensive end from Texas would seem to be their next best choice. At least until just today, when T.J. Houshmandzadeh signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

With Houshmandzadeh, Crabtree is out of the picture for the Seahawks. The 'Hawks needed a WR for Hasselbeck and they got one via free agency. Since it's unlikely the 'Hawks will take Crabtree, they'll have to look to trade down or draft Orakpo.

Nobody is worth drafting here for them except Orakpo. Kerney is a injury waiting to happen and neither Darryl Tapp or Lawrence Jackson are completely proven. Orakpo would add depth and insurance for Seattle on the D-line.

So now that's two players the Browns would've liked to take but are out on. Here are my predictions for the first four picks:

1. Detroit Lions: QB Matt Stafford

The Lions are currently on the hunt for a starting quarterback and if they don't get one, they will address the position in the draft. This draft isn't exactly quarterback friendly but Stafford would be their best option. This pick can and will change if the Lions can obtain a starting caliber QB.

2. St. Louis Rams: OT Eugene Monroe

There isn't much to this pick. It's safe and smart for the Rams to draft Monroe No. 2 overall. They could really use a Left Tackle and Eugene's the best pick for that in the draft.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: ILB Aaron Curry

I would have previously predicted KC to draft Mark Sanchez but with the trade that got them Matt Cassel, I don't see that a possibility. With a starting QB, the Chiefs will look to draft elsewhere. The Chiefs also got Mike Vrabel in the trade so Curry could really benefit from his teachings and experience.

4. Seattle Seahawks: DE/OLB Brian Orakpo

This is another pick in which my opinion was manipulated. Before the signing of WR Houshmandzadeh, I along with just about everyone would have had Crabtree being taken here.

With one of the best receivers in the NFL, Seattle won't need to draft a receiver so early. Nobody in the draft will be an instant starter for Seattle so their best option is Orakpo. He will add much needed depth to their D-line.

With the Browns two best defensive options most likely out of the picture, what is the their mindset heading into the draft? There are many possibilities.

Trading Edwards for picks could suit them well. They would receive more depth in the draft and then could safely take Crabtree. They would have a starting receiver and more picks for depth.

They could also push to trade up for the No. 1 pick overall. The Lions might take Anderson and the Browns No. 5 pick for their No. 1 pick. In doing so, the Browns could draft whomever, though with that pick I would guarantee them taking Curry.

Another option is trading down. The first round is filled with defensive ends and linebackers. Everette Browns, Tyson Jackson, Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, etc. They could trade down for multiple picks and still safely draft a much needed defender.

Nonetheless, Eric Mangini, George Kokinis, and the rest of the Browns front office have their work cut out for them and will study every idea and angle very closely. This has got to be the Browns most interesting offseason in years.