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Cleveland Browns: Mystery remains with the No. 12 overall pick

By Andrew Seibt

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns have shown interest in multiple players for the No. 12 overall selection. Will it be a quarterback or another defensive player?

As we all know, the Cleveland Browns not only pick at No. 1 overall, as they also own the No. 12 overall pick, courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles. There has been much speculation for who the Browns will be taking at that spot, ranging from tight end, to cornerback, to running back.

The obvious choice here is to pencil the Browns in for a quarterback based on it being a position of need for, I don’t know, my entire life? And the fact there is a good chance most, if not all, of the top quarterback prospects will be there for the taking. The question is: Who will they take at No. 12?

As I’ve had some time to reflect on the offseason thus far, I’ve just come to the realization that the Browns just aren’t ready to draft a quarterback high this year. That is why I believe they would (and still might) make a push for New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Browns want a quarterback who can play from Day 1, and I don’t blame them. That’s why there isn’t a quarterback prospect pushing to No. 1 status like in previous years. And it is why I believe the Browns will pass on a quarterback with their first two picks.

Related: A lucrative offer for Garoppolo, Butler

A credit to the Browns, they haven’t tipped their hand on what their plans are for pick No. 12 in the slightest. They’re simply doing due diligence on their prospects, but the variety of players coming in for visits is something worth noting. With an obvious emphasis on quarterback, they also seem to be warming up to the idea of two impact players with their first two picks.

They could go running back, and give Cody Kessler a bona fide threat in the backfield compared to a solid, but inconsistent Isaiah Crowell. Maybe a cornerback like Marshon Lattimore across from Joe Haden. O.J. Howard is my personal favorite as I love a matchup nightmare at the tight end position.

The real conundrum comes into play at No. 12 if all three (or four if you count Pat Mahomes) of the quarterback prospects are there at No. 12. Do the Browns continue to stick to their board and take the player they feel will have an impact from Day 1? Or will they take a chance on a quarterback in hopes of an investment paying off in the long-term?

Next: NFL Draft Profile: Jonathan Allen

The Browns will take a quarterback at some point in this draft to compete with Cody Kessler, but my guess is that it won’t be at No. 12.

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