Trading Down

Where is Eric Mangini when you need him?  
 
In a recent article done by the Canton Repository, Banner said this: “My history has been more trading down than up or staying,” Banner also said. “I have had some instances where we’ve traded up for a player we thought was really good at a position we thought was difference making.

“But historically I have either stayed or traded back. Accumulating picks over the course of the draft is a good strategy generally.”

So the odds of Banner moving down seem pretty good in my opinion and I agree, the more picks you can accumulate during a draft the better chance you’ll have at improving the team.  That is obvious.  

This year for the Browns, the cards appear to be lined up for a team to move up for an offensive lineman or a QB.  Jumping in front of Arizona and Buffalo is the way to go if you’re looking to improve on the offensive side of the ball.  As Tommy Dee pointed out, Miami is in the market for an O-lineman such as Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson.  Miami has spent tons of money this offseason in an attempt to improve their team through free agency so why would they stop now? 

Moving down to 12 wouldn’t hurt the Browns either, especially if it gains them a pick in the second round.  Some names that come to mind at 12 are Jarvis Jones, Chance Warmack, Barkevious Mingo, Tyler Eifert and Kenny Vaccaro.  I also don’t discount the idea of taking a QB in this scenario either because (1) it’s not a dumb idea and (2) you never know what these guys are thinking.   

In a perfect world the Browns will trade down in this draft and pick up a second rounder but what are the odds and who are they missing out on at 6?  Not everybody can be Bill Belichick and muster up a resume of 37 draft day trades but if Banner and Lombardi can pull one off this year, i don't know many people that would be upset. 

Browns Big Board

1.       Jarvis Jones – Despite his slide on most draft boards, Jones should be the Browns #1 target in the 2013 NFL draft.  Spinal Stenosis is no joke, but I’ve heard rumors that Jones doesn’t even have this disease.  Either way, Jarvis led the NCAA in sacks last year and he didn’t even play the entire season.  The Browns need a pass rusher opposite of the newly acquired Paul Kruger, and Jarvis fills that roll to a T.

2.       Dee Milliner – Opposite of Joe Haden would be fantastic duo.  Minnifield/Dixon good?  I could see it.  Defensive back is arguably the Browns biggest need after what we’ve seen them do in free agency but do they dare go DB at 6?  If Jarvis Jones is gone, I think they should.

 

3.       Geno Smith – I know I know, give Weeden a chance.  How about this, NO!  Weeden had his chance last year and blew it. Blame it on coaching or whatever else you want to but the fact of the matter is that Weeden didn’t get it done.  Geno is the top QB in the draft so if Jones and Milliner are off the board you have to at least give him a look.  My opinion is, if you don’t have “the” QB of the future, you keep trying until you find him.

4.       Ziggy Ansah – You want to talk about a reach, this is your guy, the potential is there though.  The ceiling on Ansah is sky high and 
he has the freak athleticism you look for in a top talent but he lacks experience and that scares me away.  Hell, to be honest i want to see this kids birth certificate.  He looks like he's 40 years old.

 


5.     Dion Jordan – Same as Ansah.  The production isn’t there but the raw talent and upside is.  Somebody is going to take a chance on this kid, do you want it to be your team?

6.   Chance Warmack – If it gets to this point, I hope we can trade down. Chance is one of the best guards to come out in a long time and the Browns could have a spot for him in between Mack and Thomas but is it in the cards to draft an O-lineman at 6 for a team with a very solid line and so many other needs? Who knows, I’ve seen stranger things before.