The Cleveland Browns may consider trading up in the fourth round of the NFL draft on Saturday to avoid a large gap in their draft order. The Browns currently have no picks in the fourth round and their first selection is No. 54 in the second round. Some draft experts believe that the talent level drops off significantly midway through the fourth round, so the Browns could look to move back into that range.
Browns vice president of football operations Kwesi Cook said the team is “active” and “going to work the phones” to explore trade possibilities.
“We’re going to make sure we’re aware of what the possibilities are out there and then I’m sure (GM) Andrew (Berry) has some thoughts in mind,” Cook said. “If we need to strike, we’ll strike and if not, we’re also comfortable using the picks we have, and potentially using less. I think everything’s on the table with us so, we’ll see.”
The Browns also have two seventh-round picks, their own No. 243 and the No. 227 from trading reserve offensive tackle Leroy Watson two weeks ago to the Titans. Berry has a history of trading away his seventh-round picks, but Cook said the team will evaluate all of their options.
“We’ll see,” Cook said with a smile. “It’s fun to have an opportunity from the first pick to the last pick to potentially draft a player who comes in and maybe outproduces what people thought, and he’s much better than we thought he was.”
The Browns have been without a first-round pick for the third straight year, but Cook said the team is “well-positioned” in this draft.
“We understand it’s a really strong division. Probably the best one in the league and obviously our conference is extremely competitive. So we know we have work to do, but we feel well-positioned through all the work we’ve done with our scouts and staff.”
Cook said the Browns will approach the draft with a “best available player” mentality and won’t be forced to draft for need at any specific position.
“We understand how competitive the division is, how deep you need to be in this league in terms of the attrition that happens, so we’ll do what’s best for the roster,” he said. “We try to maximize the resources we do have. So we don’t know what that means, quite honestly. We’ll see.”
The Browns will have a busy weekend as they look to add to their roster through the draft. With the team well-stocked at most positions, they will have the flexibility to make the best decisions for the long-term success of the franchise.
