Browns NFL Draft plan: Insider says trading down is the right move for 2027 QB derby

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Andy McNamara
Browns NFL Draft plan: Insider says trading down is the right move for 2027 QB derby image

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The Cleveland Browns are once again entering a potentially franchise altering NFL Draft.

GM Andrew Berry is in a powerful position by owning a pair of first round picks, their own at No. 6 and the extra from last year's trade with Jacksonville at 24th overall. The question becomes, what do they do with them?

The team is desperate for upgrades on the offensive line and wide receiver. The Athletic's Zac Jackson thinks that the Browns shouldn't stay put, but says a phrase this fanbase has grown to loathe, "trading back".

Speaking on the "BIGPLAY Cleveland Show", Jackson asked, "would you trade down again? Are you trying to trade out and be in the QB derby next year?"

(Getty Images)

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For an organization still reeling from the Deshaun Watson trade/contract debacle, Jackson argues that working for the future outweighs a single blue-chip prospect today. "In the long-term building of trying to get back closer to being a realistic playoff contender...that might be the move," Jackson noted.

In this thinking, the plan would be for Berry to stockpile assets for what is expected to be a loaded 2027 quarterback draft class. However, a guaranteed crop of quality QBs isn't a guarantee, just look at how this year's group of signal-callers fizzled out. Now the only bonafide stud choice is Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.

By sliding back, Cleveland could secure multiple picks, giving them the ammo to move up for a franchise savior next spring.

The Counter-Argument: Why Trading Down is a Disaster

Many fans are beyond frustrated at the thought of once again "punting" on a draft. Here is why staying at No. 6, and picking the best player available should be the real priority:

  • Impact Talent is Available: In a draft featuring instant starters at WR and OL, passing on a "sure thing" at No. 6 for "future hope" is a gamble.

  • The "Vortex of Losing": If the Browns trade down, they signal to the locker room and fans that they aren't trying to win now. Continuous rebuilding cycles can destroy team culture. That's not a healthy way to break in a new head coach either.

  • The 2027 Uncertainty: There is no guarantee the 2027 "QB Derby" will be better than the current options. Betting the house on prospects who haven't even finished their sophomore college seasons is risky business.

Berry loves acquiring additional draft picks, so while a trade down would be disappointing to many Dawg Pound faithful, it wouldn't be surprising. 

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