Fansided

NFL Draft Rumors: Here’s why the Browns-Titans trade can’t happen

By Josh Hill

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs off the field following the first half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs off the field following the first half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans are reportedly discussing a trade for the No. 2 pick, but there’s a big reason why it can’t happen as reported. 

Next: Each NFL Team's Worst Draft Pick of All-Time

The NFL Draft is as much about trades and order movement as it is about the prospects being selected. The Cleveland Browns are armed with two first-round picks this year, and speculation has already begun as to what they will do and where they will move them.

On Wednesday, less than 48 hours before the draft clock starts, reports surfaced that the Browns were talking with the Tennessee Titans to acquired the No. 1 pick.

According to Mary Kay Cabot from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns offering both of their No. 1 picks wouldn’t be enough to get a deal done to land them the No. 2 pick. Instead, they’d have to throw in some extra stuffing to sweeten the deal.

Cabot isn’t wrong either. The Browns don’t have enough numerical value to their two first-round picks to match the value of the No. 2 pick. According to NFL Draft trade values, the No. 2 pick is worth 2,600 points while the Browns two first-round picks make up for a combined score of 2,075.

If Cleveland wants to trade their picks, they’d need to throw in a player or more picks to bring it up to the value of the No. 2 pick. This is why you see teams throw in picks in the third, fourth and fifth rounds into trades like this, as it acts as filler.

For what it’s worth, ESPN is reporting both sides of the story, as reports have surfaced at identical times that state the trade talks are happening and also not happening. Rand Getlin sums this up by pointing out that NFL executives routinely use the media as pawns to put up smokescreens and throw teams off their scent.

The Browns don’t have enough value in their two first-round picks as it is anyways, and adding to the haul seems to be worth a little more than Marcus Mariota might end up being.

More from Cleveland Browns

Home/Cleveland Browns