The Cleveland Browns along with all NFL teams are approaching the NFL Draft hoping to make vital decisions that will improve their teams performance. This performance will be improved only by adding players that can have an impact whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. In the case of the Browns these decisions will be numerous as the Browns have multiple positions that need to be upgraded for Cleveland to field a competitive team. Hopefully the Browns "Brain Trust" is racing with eyes wide open into the Draft, instead of stumbling into it with blurred vision.
After the medias explosive and continuous coverage of Robert Griffin III catapulted him from his earlier projected position of a later 1st round choice to sitting comfortably at #2, possibly #1 depending on what the Indianapolis Colts do with regards to Andrew Luck, the medias attention has now turned to Ryan Tannehill. The "hoopla" surrounding Griffin III is now old news replaced by the next attention grabbing headline, the Browns must take Tannehill at the #4 pick!
Several sports writers and respected draft analysts are now pushing the Tannehill train, a train that per them must head towards Cleveland. These sports writers have made bold statements, statements such as it is a "no-brainer" for Cleveland to pick Tannehill, with a draft guru going as far as to say that he sees little difference between Griffin III and Tannehill, an interesting statement when one considers that the Texas A&M quarterback was little more than an afterthought a few months ago. These analysts and draft gurus previosly had suggested that Tannehill was a project quarterback at best and although talented and athletic had only performed in 19 games, so what caused this "turn-around" in opinion--the RGIII love-fest is over, time for the next headline grabbing subject.
Tannehill at #4 would be a major setback for the Browns, a team that has proven they need numerous up-grades at vital offensive positions. Although the book is still out on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy it is evident that improvements to the receiving corp would be a vital improvement along with what many consider another major need, an up-grade at the running-back position. Setting aside these needs to acquire a quarterback, although much heralded by the media, that at best could be considered "a work in progress" at the #4 pick would be a sign of desperation, truly closing your eyes and hoping for the best!
Trading down with the Rams--not gonna happen!
There are those that believe the Browns will swing some kind of deal with the St. Louis Rams possibly sending the Browns into the #6 spot and picking up an extra 2nd round pick. Why? If the Rams had their heart set on moving up to #4 why didn't they merely accept the Browns offer for RGIII, which Browns president Mike Holmgren said was "every bit the offer" that Washington made? Statements made by Holmgren after the Browns attempt to trade with the Rams would lead one to believe that Holmgren will be less than jumping at the opportunity to deal with the Rams.
Browns GM Tom Heckert has stated that the Browns have left the door open for trading down to acquire multiple picks, but how far down. With it doubtful that the Rams will entertain trading with the Browns (tho' they did toss a bone and suggest they would) where would the Browns land? It is likely any trade down, minus one with the Rams would place Cleveland out of reach for much heralded prospects Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon, two players many feel are on the Browns radar.
It will be interesting how this soap opera unfolds, do the Browns make the costly gamble of drafting the recent media darling in Ryan Tannehill? But then, do they stand firm at #4 hoping to grab the #1 running-back in the draft, Richardson. Of course they could trade down and hope the drafts top receiver, Justin Blackmon is available. However it is possible they will trade "out of reach" for either and go with best player available! Hopefully the Browns "Brain Trust" is approaching this with both eyes open and paying little attention to the media hype.
A.J. Hunley (Senior Writer, C.B.R.)
http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/04/cleveland-browns-racing-or-stumbling.html
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