NFL Draft 2018: What should the Cleveland Browns do at No. 1 overall?

The No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft will be in the spotlight for the rest of his career, so who should the Cleveland Browns take with the first selection?

As of late February, the Cleveland Browns have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, that could change if Cleveland decides to trade down for more picks in the first round, lessening the burden on their top choice.

Cleveland already has two top-five picks in the first round, so trading down for another selection seems unrealistic. Conceding that the Browns will decide to keep their first pick, who will have the honor of helping Cleveland continue its youth revolution?

The 2018 draft class doesn’t have one can’t-miss player. In recent years, Andrew Luck (2012,) Jadevaon Clowney (2014) and Myles Garrett (2017) were clearly the best player’s coming out of college. It seemed pre-determined that these three would be picked first overall. But without that clear-cut prospect waiting in the wings, there is more uncertainty surrounding this draft.

Coming off an 0-16 season, the Browns obviously have many concerns, but one glaring issue is their lack of quarterback talent. So, selecting a quarterback with the first pick would seem like the most likely scenario surrounding the club. Luckily, this year features plenty of prospects that look like future stars as signal-callers.

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What seemed like a two-horse race in September has turned into a toss-up between four quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield are all in contention for the first overall selection. Each player comes with a different skill-set and each could perform very well at the next level.

Josh Rosen may be the best quarterback in his class, but with recent remarks expressing his disinterest in playing for the Browns, the team may go in a different direction. However, if Cleveland really believes Rosen is the best man for the job, they may take him anyway.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen going first overall in his most recent mock draft. While Allen didn’t prove much on the field during his college career, his arm strength and size makes him a desired prospect, tailor-made for the NFL.

USC’s Sam Darnold seemed to be the best quarterback entering the 2017 college football season. However, other players emerged ahead of Darnold and scouts expected more of a leap from his 2016 campaign. Even still, Darnold is a very good player and doesn’t seem to have any issue with going to Cleveland.

Finally, the dark horse at the quarterback position, Baker Mayfield. For the Oklahoma product to be selected No. 1 overall, he would need to have an outstanding performance at the combine and prove that his maturity won’t be an issue in the NFL. If the Browns really like him, they might wait until their fourth pick and draft someone else with their first pick.

If the Browns address their quarterback situation in free agency, they would be able to seriously look at other talented players in the draft. NC State’s Bradley Chubb would have to be a top consideration in this case. Chubb is the best defensive end in this draft and pairing him opposite Garrett would be a lethal combination, adding to a youthful and talented defense.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full two-round projection

Saquon Barkley is another non-quarterback who could make the case for the first overall pick. Penn State’s do-it-all running back helped carry the Nittany Lion offense during his career. His ability to run, catch and play special teams is sure to interest the Browns enough to consider him with their first pick.

Whether they select a quarterback, athlete or trade down, the Browns have a lot to consider before April’s draft.