Cleveland Browns: ESPN throws cold water on two top-5 picks
By Randy Gurzi
While most Cleveland Browns fans are thrilled at the idea of two top-four picks, ESPN shared some history that throws some cold water on the excitement
The 2018 NFL Draft is bringing a ton of excitement, especially for the Cleveland Browns who own the No. 1 and N0. 4 picks. They not only kick things off, but can get another top-5 talent just a couple picks later.
That leads to some fun speculation as fans and media members alike debate who the Browns will pick at each selection. Will they go USC quarterback Sam Darnold at one, and hope another impact player like Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is there at four? Or do they go Barkley at one to get the most dynamic player and hope a franchise signal caller is left at four?
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The debate is fun, but the hope it brings is more fun. Don’t try telling that to Pat McManamon of ESPN though because he may just throw some cold water on that joy. McManamon released an article detailing how owning two picks in the top-five have worked out for teams in the previous drafts.
Not every pick has equaled super stars and only one team had a winning record the same season they made the picks. McManamon details their record in that first season after making the picks in the following quote:
"“2000 Redskins LB LaVar Arrington, OT Chris Samuels 8-8 20051994 Colts RB Marshall Faulk, LB Trev Alberts 8-8 19951992 Colts DE Steve Emtman, LB Quentin Coryatt 9-7 19951982 Colts LB Johnie Cooks, QB Art Schlichter 0-8-1 19871979 Bills LB Tom Cousineau, WR Jerry Butler 7-9 1980″ — McManamon"
Looking at just wins is short-sighted as draft prospects can be long-term moves. However, most cases McManamon mentioned ended with at least one of the players not working out.
Now for those wanting the Browns to take Barkley it’s probably worth noting that the best pick in this bunch was easily Marshall Faulk.
Cleveland fans should still be excited despite seeing this. The Browns have a chance to do something special not only with their first two picks, but their remaining seven which includes three in the second.
Next: Draft profile: Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield
While they may not see the success in the first season, the could be laying the groundwork for something special.