Could the Cleveland Browns make a blockbuster trade to move up in April's NFL Draft to select Shedeur Sanders' replacement?
The latest mock draft from The Athletic puts out a scenario suggesting just that.
With so much uncertainty about the future of Cleveland's general manager and head coach, anything seems possible. Owner Jimmy Haslam is not afraid to swing big when it comes to quarterbacks.
Making a deal to acquire the now disgraced Johnny Manziel in the first round of the 2014 draft is one example. Signing off on what looks to be the worst trade and contract in NFL history to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Texans is another.
If the Browns feel that Sanders does not deserve a chance to prove he can be "the man," then going after Heisman Trophy-winning QB, Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, could be what the front office feels is the best move.
Let's look at the top six picks from The Athletic's latest mock draft:
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raiders | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 2 | Browns (via Giants) | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 3 | Jets | Arvell Reese | EDGE/LB | Ohio State |
| 4 | Titans | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
| 5 | Cardinals | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah |
| 6 | Giants (via Browns) | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
MORE: Shedeur Sanders: Browns starting QB in 2026? Has the rookie shown enough?
The current draft order sees the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 and the New York Giants sitting second. The Raiders desperately need a quarterback, which means it would take a king's ransom to move up, if they'd be willing to trade it at all.
Dealing with the Giants, who look to have their young gunslinger of the future in Jaxson Dart, looks to be the first place the Browns could discuss a transaction.
If Cleveland determines that Mendoza is their man, then a few key situations need to fall their way.
- The Raiders need to fall in love with Dante Moore of Oregon and rate him higher than Mendoza.
- The Jets have to be comfortable not going with one of the top two-ranked QBs. New York is as desperate as any team for a franchise signal-caller. On top of that, they have enough draft capital from trades this season to outbid anyone.
- Cleveland still needs to fill out several offensive line spots and upgrade at wide receiver. Is dealing assets to give up on Sanders, bring in Mendoza and still have to improve the overall offense with salary cap constraints the best idea?
The college football playoffs and NFL Combine will still shake up thoughts on what teams should do at QB prior to the draft.
Regardless, it's still fascinating to think about what the Browns will do.
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