Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
It is NFL Mock Draft Monday. We expect quite a few coming our way today but we wanted to give you a few fun ones to devour this morning. The Cleveland Browns have two first round picks and 10 picks overall. That makes them one of the most interesting, and influential players in the upcoming NFL Draft.
This morning we bring you 6 different NFL Mock Draft posts for you to devour. Two are only one round, three are two rounds and one is a big four round NFL Mock Draft. That is the order we will work in. Starting with just the 1st round ones and working our way all the way to the 4 rounder.
We start with Josh Norris of Rotoworld. Norris does a lot of interesting stuff and we appreciate his work. Who does he have the Browns selecting?
"3. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) – QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon – The Browns trade picks 12, 19 and a 2016 3rd round selection. After the GM and owner made the wrong quarterback choice last year (although Manziel’s career is not over), there is pressure to make the decision right. Mariota will do just that."
Well that was quick. There are a ton of rumors about the Browns interest in Marcus Mariota, so the pick itself is not surprising. Most know by now that this writer feels strongly that Mariota could be the next big thing at QB if he is given some time to develop. Mariota has the work ethic, size and delivery that translate well to the NFL.
The Browns are reportedly interested in Mariota but how much is another story. Trading 12 and 19 is the most this writer would give up for Mariota, and even that is a bit of a stretch but doable. Trading an addition starter in next year’s draft, expecting 3rd rounders to be starters is reasonable, make that a very expensive move. It is not, however, mortgaging the future like the Redskins did to get RG3. The price is not so high that it would damage the Browns but it is more than we expect they would be willing to pay.
Wonder if anyone else has the Browns trading up that high.
Next: Pro Football Talk (1 Round)