How far can the Cleveland Browns move up in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft?

The Cleveland Browns could move up in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft for the right player, but it would be costly to move up to the early part of the round. Is there a player worthy of such a move?

Currently, the Cleveland Browns at 59th overall, late in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, they also have two picks in the third round, at 89th and 91st overall. What if the Browns used those picks to try to move up in the second round?

There are different draft value charts used to judge the relative value of draft picks to make trades. The oldest is the Dallas Cowboys chart, which is probably not the most accurate, but it will suffice for our purposes. The Browns 59th overall pick is worth 310 points. If they bundle it with 89th overall (145 points), they can offer 310 +145 = 445 points. That corresponds roughly to pick 46, which is owned by the Jaguars.

If they further add 91st overall (136 points), the bundle would be worth 310 + 145 + 136 = 581 points, which would actually bring the Browns all the way to the first pick of the second round. Coincidentally, that pick is also owned by the Jaguars.

So, if there was a player that the Browns had to have, but the Jaguars were more interested in filling out their roster, the Browns could conceivably acquire that player but would have to skip the third round. Losing both third-round picks is a tougher decision to make.

This salary cap math works no matter what player you are after. So, if you think the Browns need that special safety or speedy wide receiver, or whomever, this is how far they can trade up by including one or two third-round picks. Just remember they can move up to about 45th by spending one extra third-rounder, and all the way to the top of the round if they bundle both third rounders with their current number two.

This fan believes that defensive tackle is the position worth focusing on in this year’s draft, and Christian Barmore should be the target.

It would be awfully nice if Cleveland could plug that hole in the defensive line with Christian Barmore, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound bundle of aggression from the Alabama Crimson Tide. Or perhaps there is With the departure of Sheldon Richardson, the Browns have lost star power at defensive tackle. Barmore could help to get that back.

Barmore had 9.5 tackles for loss in 2020 along with 8.5 tackles for loss. He showed up for the National Championship, and in fact was the Defensive MVP, sacking Justin Fields and providing two tackles for loss against the toughest possible competition.

Barmore should have been drafted in the first round, and will probably go in the early part of Round 2. In this draft, for whatever reason, the alternatives at defensive tackle do not look very appealing, like there may not be another DT worth drafting till perhaps Round 4 or 5.

If the Browns want a great defensive tackle, they are going to have to trade up for Barmore, and probably several spaces. If he slides to about midway in the second round, they will probably try to move up, and they may bundle a few picks to move up even earlier.

Losing both third-round picks would be a bitter pill to swallow. If Barmore is gone, it might be just as well to stay put. The Browns could still use a linebacker and a safety in the second and third round.

Who is your favorite target worth moving up for? List your guy in the comments below, if you are so inclined, and explain why.