5 reasons signing RGIII is great for the Cleveland Browns
By John Buhler
2. The No. 2 pick becomes even more valuable
This is the most brilliant part of the decision to sign Griffin to a two-year deal. Cleveland’s No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft becomes arguably the most valuable pick in the draft now that Griffin has signed with the Browns.
Before the RGIII signing, it was a forgone conclusion that the Browns were going to take either Cal’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz at No. 2 as their next franchise quarterback.
Cleveland perhaps has even more bargaining power than does the team with the No. 1 overall pick in the Tennessee Titans since the Browns now don’t absolutely have to go with a quarterback at No. 2. The Browns could opt to go with the best player available, or even better trade back a few draft spots, still get a solid first-round player and acquire an additional first-round pick from their trade partner in the 2017 NFL Draft.
In essence, Cleveland can undercut Tennessee and would have more potential trade partners to move up to No. 2 to draft either Goff or Wentz. Cleveland has shown a proclivity to moving back in drafts to acquire more assets. With this being a deep draft through about pick eight or nine, trading back wouldn’t be a bad decision for Jackson, executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown and general manager Paul DePodesta to make this spring.
Next: 1. Griffin has been humbled and is ready to win