NFL Draft Rumors: Cleveland Browns 26th pick gaining interest from Dolphins, others
Cleveland Browns helmet sits on the field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns biggest position of need heading into the 2014 NFL Draft is definitely at quarterback, as they are a franchise QB away from being a serious playoff contender due to their talent on defense and the likes of Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Josh Gordon, and Jordan Cameron on offense. With the fourth, 26th, and 35 overall picks in the draft, the Browns have some flexibility when it comes to pulling a QB, and now it looks like they could even move up a few spots in order to secure a QB after taking a blue-chip prospect at another position in the top five.
According to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero, the Browns have emerged as a “strong possible trade down partner” for teams picking in the 18-22 range of the first round, and this list includes the Miami Dolphins.
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The Dolphins are fully expected to target the offensive tackle position with the 19th overall pick, since offensive line help is still their biggest area of need. But if the top four tackle prospects are gone by then- and that seems to be the most likely scenario- then trading down makes sense for the Dolphins. They can get an extra pick or two, obtain more flexibility, and they won’t have to worry about reaching for a prospect.
I don’t know why the Browns would want to trade up from 26 to the 18-22 range, but they could feel the need to guarantee their favorite quarterback after snagging someone like Sammy Watkins or Greg Robinson with their first first-round pick.