Fansided

NFL Draft Rumors: Browns looking trade up to No. 5 spot

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Oregon Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Oregon Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

In my personal opinion, Marcus Mariota is the best quarterback in the draft and I would be absolutely shocked to see him picked outside of the top two. However, there is always that possibility that a top quarterback drops a bit in the selection process, leaving it up to the Browns to take him with the No. 5 overall pick if they can land it.

Cleveland, as I said earlier, is a place where quarterbacks have gone to die and it seems like the Browns shuffle through two or three quarterbacks every season before going into yet another QB battle in the offseason.

After losing Hoyer in the offseason, the Browns are looking at possibly starting Johnny Football, who has yet to prove himself as a reliable starter in the NFL. It’s not likely the team takes a chance on him without giving other guys an opportunity as well.

While they did trade up in last year’s NFL Draft to get Manziel, it’s possible they are fed up with his off-field antics and want a clean slate in a good role model like Mariota.

As a junior for Oregon, Mariota passes for 4,454 yards, 42 touchdowns and just four interceptions while rushing for 770 yards and 15 scores. Mariota ran a solid 4.52 40-yard dash during the combine and proved he is much more than just an elite passer.

If Mariota somehow falls past the second pick, the Browns would be able to pick him at No. 5 and shock the football world.

Mariota has to be option No. 1 for the Browns.

Home/Cleveland Browns