Evaluation Of The Possiblities For Cleveland Brown Braylon Edwards

The NFL Draft is getting closer and closer every second of everyday and the mockers are going nuts.

Not one mock can be said to be 100 percent true because of all the possible trades that include draft choices.

There has been talk about the Cleveland Browns trading wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Many say the Browns would be making a mistake if they traded Edwards.

Trading him would leave a huge hole at the receiver position but actually makes some sense.

As of now, Edwards has one year remaining on his contract. He will push to have greater numbers which is good, but that's only because he wants to make the big bucks come free agency.

Honestly, what are the chances that Braylon resigns with Cleveland next offseason. He wants to win and thinks that Browns fans hate him because he went to Michigan.

The guy is most likely leaving either way so why not get something great for him. He could probably get a first and third-round pick, and if not something of similar value.

If Edwards left via free agency next offseason the Browns would probably get a compensatory draft pick for his departure. The downside to that is it wouldn't be as valuable as what the Browns could get for him in a trade.

Saying that Edwards gets traded, who are the possible buyers?

The New York Giants recently cut Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer left via free agency. It's been reported that the Giants already offered receiver Mario Manningham, a second and fifth-round pick for Edwards.

If the Giants offered Domenik Hixon instead of Manningham the trade could be executed. Manningham is very unproven but Hixon had a good season last year.

Hixon stepped in when Burress got injured (shot himself in the leg). Hixon started seven games and played in all 16. In that time Hixon had 43 receptions for 596 yards and two touchdowns.

Pretty good numbers for a young player that had to step in for a injured star wideout.

If Edwards left and Hixon came in, he would be a starter leaving a hole on the other side of the field.

The Browns especially need receivers since Joe Jurevicious was cut and Donte Stallworth is facing jail time. If not jail time, a suspension from the NFL.

Recently signed receiver David Patten shouldn't be left out of the equation though. He isn't a great receiver but should be a factor.

The Browns already have the fifth overall pick and two second-round picks (36 and 50). If they got the Giants second-round pick (the first one at 45 overall), they would have four draft picks in the top 50.

With those picks, they could draft a receiver to start opposite Hixon. Michael Crabtree would be great as the Browns starting receiver but with so many needs, the Browns could go elsewhere with the fifth overall pick.

With three second-round draft picks, the Browns would have plenty of receivers to choose from.

Receivers Brian Robiskie, Derrick Williams, and Juaquin Iglesias should be around somewhere around all the picks the Browns would have in the second round.

Even receivers Kenny Brit and Hakeem Nicks could fall somewhere into the second-round.

With these picks, the Browns draft could have numerous possibilities.

Another possible buyer for Edwards is the Philadelphia Eagles. They have plenty of bait with two first-round picks (21 and 28). Receiver Jason Avant could draw some attention as well.

If the Eagles offered one of their first and third-round pick, and Jason Avant a deal could possibly be met.

Two first-round picks would give the Browns even more versatility. Percy Harvin or Darrius Heyward-Bey could fall into their hands at 21 overall.

Both of these teams could just offer picks and no receivers. If this were to happen, the Browns could possibly draft two receivers. Th draft is full of receivers with potential so it's possible.

Keeping Edwards makes sense for this upcoming season but not afterwards. He will most likely leave Cleveland empty handed (maybe a compensatory pick).

Getting a possible franchise receiver now and letting Edwards go, getting something in return makes more sense.

Many might not see it but Domenik Hixon could be a franchise receiver. He has been in the spotlight and already has a Superbowl ring (with Giants last season). His numbers would good when he stepped in for Burress.

Trading for Hixon and drafting a reciever could really solidify the Browns receiver position. An experienced David Patten at third-string behind the young receivers adds plenty of depth.

It is still possible that the Browns keep Edwards but it a trade seems more and more likely as the draft approaches. Eric Mangini came into Cleveland with a plan to rebuild the team with a strict fashion.

Edwards has an attitude and that is a turn-off for Mangini. Edwards could very well be wearing a different uniform next season.