2018 NFL Draft

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I hope the Browns spend a great deal of money for Cousins, ensuring QBs aren't taken with the first 2 picks. They could trade back again and stock pile even more picks and grab a few more pieces.

Cleveland could be downright scary in a couple years if they draft wisely.

 

[Legacy]

The Browns have twelve picks in this draft now, five in the first two rounds, and $109 million in cap space.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

The Browns have twelve picks in this draft now, five in the first two rounds, and $109 million in cap space.

Exactly. I'm not saying they must trade back but if someone wants to move up, say 3-6 spots, they could get another couple picks in either this year or next year's draft.

And if they are no longer searching for a QB in the draft, they could absolutely load up the rest of their team.

A new QB will likely go through the rookie gauntlet and there is no guarantee of how he'll transition to the league. Cousins has already proved to be a top 10 QB in the league, get him on the books and continue stockpiling.

I'm not a Browns fan but if they followed the above, they would be a drastically different team.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Exactly. I'm not saying they must trade back but if someone wants to move up, say 3-6 spots, they could get another couple picks in either this year or next year's draft.

And if they are no longer searching for a QB in the draft, they could absolutely load up the rest of their team.

A new QB will likely go through the rookie gauntlet and there is no guarantee of how he'll transition to the league. Cousins has already proved to be a top 10 QB in the league, get him on the books and continue stockpiling.

I'm not a Browns fan but if they followed the above, they would be a drastically different team.

You seem to forget one thing. They are the Browns.

 

[beryirish]

https://247sports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/Bolt/Colin-Cowherd-reports-Broncos-close-to-deal-with-Kirk-Cousins-114466121

Colin Cowherd 'reports' Broncos close to deal with Kirk Cousins
No other reporter has corroborated Cowherd's claim, which has been refuted by an unnamed Broncos executive.

Take this with a grain of salt or three.

During a radio hit at the Super Bowl on Wednesday, Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports 1 claimed the Broncos and quarterback Kirk Cousins are close to a deal.

If that sounds odd to you, it should.

The only way Denver could facilitate a move for Cousins, an impending free agent, is if he'd agree to a sign-and-trade. Anything less is tampering, considering NFL free agency doesn't begin until March 14. Cousins has zero incentive to put pen to paper after the Redskins on Tuesday acquired Alex Smith and handed him a $94 million extension.

No other reporter, local or national, has corroborated Cowherd's speculation. Broncos general manager John Elway is also golfing at the moment, and one would assume he'd be, you know, not on the links if negotiations were at this stage.

There's little doubt the Broncos will heavily pursue Cousins, and back-channel discussions indeed may occur (if they haven't already), but Cowherd's "scoop" is shaping up as bull manure.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just talked to a <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@broncos</a> exec. Told him, there's a rumor that the team is "close to a deal with Kirk Cousins." Exec's response: "If that's the case, it's news to us." Doesn't mean they're not going after him. Just means the rumor, right now, is just a rumor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#broncos</a></p>— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) <a href="https://twitter.com/LesShapiro/status/958797268965998592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Irish#1]

https://247sports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/Bolt/Colin-Cowherd-reports-Broncos-close-to-deal-with-Kirk-Cousins-114466121

Colin Cowherd 'reports' Broncos close to deal with Kirk Cousins
No other reporter has corroborated Cowherd's claim, which has been refuted by an unnamed Broncos executive.

Take this with a grain of salt or three.

During a radio hit at the Super Bowl on Wednesday, Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports 1 claimed the Broncos and quarterback Kirk Cousins are close to a deal.

If that sounds odd to you, it should.

The only way Denver could facilitate a move for Cousins, an impending free agent, is if he'd agree to a sign-and-trade. Anything less is tampering, considering NFL free agency doesn't begin until March 14. Cousins has zero incentive to put pen to paper after the Redskins on Tuesday acquired Alex Smith and handed him a $94 million extension.

No other reporter, local or national, has corroborated Cowherd's speculation. Broncos general manager John Elway is also golfing at the moment, and one would assume he'd be, you know, not on the links if negotiations were at this stage.

There's little doubt the Broncos will heavily pursue Cousins, and back-channel discussions indeed may occur (if they haven't already), but Cowherd's "scoop" is shaping up as bull manure.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just talked to a <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@broncos</a> exec. Told him, there's a rumor that the team is "close to a deal with Kirk Cousins." Exec's response: "If that's the case, it's news to us." Doesn't mean they're not going after him. Just means the rumor, right now, is just a rumor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#broncos</a></p>— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) <a href="https://twitter.com/LesShapiro/status/958797268965998592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I have no way of knowing, but there could be something to this. Everybody has to deny right now. Otherwise they get hit with a tampering. Teams have behind the scenes talks with players (via agent) all the time. Especially during the weeks leading up to free agency. That's how so many FA's sign with teams on the first day of FA. Lawyers never do anything fast.

 

[SonofOahu]

#XFL2020

I thought they wouldn't take anyone with a criminal history?

 

[Crazy Balki]

I hope the Browns spend a great deal of money for Cousins, ensuring QBs aren't taken with the first 2 picks. They could trade back again and stock pile even more picks and grab a few more pieces.

Cleveland could be downright scary in a couple years if they draft wisely.

Making some very broad assumptions there.

I just don't see any major FA prospect QB making the leap to Cleveland amidst a massive rebuild (which may never come to fruition). Their track record with QB's is simply beyond abysmal. I don't mean to say this as a hater, but if I was a free agent QB with plenty of options, Cleveland would be at the very bottom of options, regardless of cash offered. I'd take a few bucks less to go to a franchise less snake-bitten at my position.

 

[OhioIrish31]

Making some very broad assumptions there.

I just don't see any major FA prospect QB making the leap to Cleveland amidst a massive rebuild (which may never come to fruition). Their track record with QB's is simply beyond abysmal. I don't mean to say this as a hater, but if I was a free agent QB with plenty of options, Cleveland would be at the very bottom of options, regardless of cash offered. I'd take a few bucks less to go to a franchise less snake-bitten at my position.

Good to know what Sean would do if he was an NFL FA Quarterback. I think money usually can make the difference, however, Cousins mentioned somewhere that he wants to go to a contender. If the Browns could throw a huge chunk of cash at Cousins and get him...they have a chance to add FIVE additional difference makers in the first two rounds.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Good to know what Sean would do if he was an NFL FA Quarterback. I think money usually can make the difference, however, Cousins mentioned somewhere that he wants to go to a contender. If the Browns could throw a huge chunk of cash at Cousins and get him...they have a chance to add FIVE additional difference makers in the first two rounds.

That would really be their meal ticket. They would lock up a top 10 QB for the next 5-6 years and they could focus on everything else. They've drafted some really good pieces so far, they could continue to bolster their OL and make their defense straight nasty.

And they could trade the number 1 pick and fall back 3-5 spots and get at least an additional second rounder/potentially another first rounder to continue their stockpiling.

If the Browns want to make a move, this would be the best way to accomplish it. And if the all of the early draft picks kill their cap space, they could trade back a bit and continue stockpiling. I mean, they are really in a fantastic position given they were 0-16.

 

[Legacy]

Cleveland Draft

Cleveland Draft

Running a simulator with the assumption that the Browns do not fill any of these holes in Free Agency, I could draft:

1-1 QB of choice
1-4 Fitzpatrick
2-1 OT- Orlando Brown was available
2-3 Rashaan Evans, LB
2-31 Kerryon Johnson, RB
3-1 James Washington, WR
4-1 Anthony Miller, WR
4-23 DT of choice

Fill some of those needs in FA ($103 million in cap space) and they could kill this offseason. Perhaps also sign a second LB, a DT, and S, e.g. a veteran DT and/or S. Then they could move up in the draft (12 picks altogether) or fill draft needs in some positions earlier. Even add an Edge through the draft. An enviable position to be in.

Also, Jamie Collins, LB eats up $12 million in cap space. QB decisions are interesting. A FA QB would want a long-term contract. Also drafting a QB of the future negates that. Have they given up on Kizer? Or is he second or third string? He only count a million in cap space.

 

[ACamp1900]

Roughly 8 out of the top 10 hits on my Facebook feed are from fans from any one of my Browns groups begging for us to trade for Nick Foles.... lol, this freakin fan base man.

 

[Rack Em]

Roughly 8 out of the top 10 hits on my Facebook feed are from fans from any one of my Browns groups begging for us to trade for Nick Foles.... lol, this freakin fan base man.

Are you opposed to trading for Foles?

 

[ACamp1900]

Are you opposed to trading for Foles?

I'm for getting a vet in there that can move the ball so no, though I do think there are better options...

my point was this fanbase does this constantly. Show me a QB that has a big moment somewhere and I'll show you a Browns fanbase that has worked out the trade for him that very day. lol

 

[Legacy]

Where NFL top draft prospects first committed

Where NFL top draft prospects first committed

Recruiting 'What ifs' that shaped the 2017 season

What if Lamar Jackson played for Florida? What if Jake Fromm stayed committed to Alabama?

 

[beryirish]

https://247sports.com/college/notre-dame/Article/Five-from-Notre-Dame-selected-in-full-2018-NFL-mock-draft-114684080

Five from Notre Dame selected in full 2018 NFL mock draft

Has Mike and Q in the 1st round.

Josh Adams in the 4th.
Smythe in the 7th.
ESB in the 7th. - If this is legit consensus then ESB just wanted out of ND.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Are you opposed to trading for Foles?

I am.

I give Pederson credit for doing what he did with Foles. The RPO work and game planning was gorgeous. That said, I have no faith that the Browns could 1) coach a similar style offense to fit his skill strengths & 2) have enough weapons around him to be successful in a traditional offense.

 

[Irish2015]

The boo's will be out in full force draft night in Dallas:

"With the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the Superbowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles select"

 

[ndfb3.1]

Running a simulator with the assumption that the Browns do not fill any of these holes in Free Agency, I could draft:

1-1 QB of choice
1-4 Fitzpatrick
2-1 OT- Orlando Brown was available
2-3 Rashaan Evans, LB
2-31 Kerryon Johnson, RB
3-1 James Washington, WR
4-1 Anthony Miller, WR
4-23 DT of choice

Fill some of those needs in FA ($103 million in cap space) and they could kill this offseason. Perhaps also sign a second LB, a DT, and S, e.g. a veteran DT and/or S. Then they could move up in the draft (12 picks altogether) or fill draft needs in some positions earlier. Even add an Edge through the draft. An enviable position to be in.

Also, Jamie Collins, LB eats up $12 million in cap space. QB decisions are interesting. A FA QB would want a long-term contract. Also drafting a QB of the future negates that. Have they given up on Kizer? Or is he second or third string? He only count a million in cap space.

I would assume Orlando Brown and James Washington would be 1st round draft picks.

 

[Rack Em]

https://247sports.com/college/notre-dame/Article/Five-from-Notre-Dame-selected-in-full-2018-NFL-mock-draft-114684080

Five from Notre Dame selected in full 2018 NFL mock draft

Has Mike and Q in the 1st round.

Josh Adams in the 4th.
Smythe in the 7th.
ESB in the 7th. - If this is legit consensus then ESB just wanted out of ND.

Walter Football had ESB in the 2nd round last week. Pretty sure he'll go higher than 7th because of his measurables.

 

[Legacy]

I would assume Orlando Brown and James Washington would be 1st round draft picks.

If either slips past Carolina, the fall could leave them as early second round picks - with first round grades.

 

[GATTACA!]

I'm for getting a vet in there that can move the ball so no, though I do think there are better options...

my point was this fanbase does this constantly. Show me a QB that has a big moment somewhere and I'll show you a Browns fanbase that has worked out the trade for him that very day. lol

I'd rather have Foles than AJ McCarron.

 

[Graybeard52]

https://247sports.com/college/notre-dame/Article/Five-from-Notre-Dame-selected-in-full-2018-NFL-mock-draft-114684080

Five from Notre Dame selected in full 2018 NFL mock draft

Has Mike and Q in the 1st round.

Josh Adams in the 4th.
Smythe in the 7th.
ESB in the 7th. - If this is legit consensus then ESB just wanted out of ND.

I don't buy either Smythe or ESB falling that far, that's for guys considered to be developmental/project players who are long shots to make the 53. I don't think either falls into that category.

One site has ESB going in the third and Smythe in the fourth or fifth. They have Nelson and McGlinchey in the first which is the consensus opinion and Adams in the third or fourth. That all sounds like what I would expect. Weird things happen in the NFL draft though.

Position Rankings – NFL Draft Scout

Walter Football uses a formula that uses almost 200 different drafts to come up with their mock draft but it's everyone from the big names to random blogs.

WalterFootball.com: NFL Mock Draft Database

 

[ACamp1900]

I'd rather have Foles than AJ McCarron.

I'd rather have a McDonald's burger than an over cooked hungry man enchilada TV dinner too....


But is anyone serving steak?



I think Hue has a special place in his heart for that TV dinner tho...

 

[GATTACA!]

I'd rather have a McDonald's burger than an over cooked hungry man enchilada TV dinner too....


But is anyone serving steak?



I think Hue has a special place in his heart for that TV dinner tho...

No. No one is serving steak. Even Cousins, who we aren't getting, is closer to ground chuck than he is NY strip.

I can't wait to see Hue's excuse once he has "real players" and the QB of his choosing and he still falls flat on his face.

 

[ACamp1900]

https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland...-Foles-only-worth-4th5th-round-pick-115084162

Okay, if it's only a fourth or fifth rounder and an extension... jump all over that in a heartbeat like TODAY, RIGHT NOW. Have DK learn behind him and draft defense (Fitzpatrick and Chubb??) in the first round and offense (WR and RB) in the second... sign Johnson at DB and anyone else that makes sense in FA.

I would take that haul and be super happy with it, it'd be a different team.

 

[Legacy]

Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft position rankings

Also, A.J. McCarron won his appeal against the Bengals and is now an unrestricted Free Agent QB. Current Browns' HC, Hue Jackson, was McCarron's OC at Cincy. The Browns tried to trade for McCarron in the final minutes before the 2017 trade deadline but failed to submit the proper paperwork in time

 

[GATTACA!]

https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland...-Foles-only-worth-4th5th-round-pick-115084162

Okay, if it's only a fourth or fifth rounder and an extension... jump all over that in a heartbeat like TODAY, RIGHT NOW. Have DK learn behind him and draft defense (Fitzpatrick and Chubb??) in the first round and offense (WR and RB) in the second... sign Johnson at DB and anyone else that makes sense in FA.

I would take that haul and be super happy with it, it'd be a different team.

You still have to take a QB #1 even if we get Foles. He'll be 30 at the start of next season. He's not the long term answer and if he's good enough to win you some games he's going to put you out of reach for the top guy in the coming few years before he retires.

 

[beryirish]

You still have to take a QB #1 even if we get Foles. He'll be 30 at the start of next season. He's not the long term answer and if he's good enough to win you some games he's going to put you out of reach for the top guy in the coming few years before he retires.

Isn't that what you'd want... To have Foles come in and have Kizer take a back seat for a season or two then come in?

I still don't believe they should take a QB - Try something different. This has been going on for 22 years trying to find a QB. Get the defense stacked and shore up some RB/WR/OL

 

[GATTACA!]

Isn't that what you'd want... To have Foles come in and have Kizer take a back seat for a season or two then come in?

I still don't believe they should take a QB - Try something different. This has been going on for 22 years trying to find a QB. Get the defense stacked and shore up some RB/WR/OL

I can't gamble on Kizer being the future after what he showed last season. I' give him a shot. Hang onto him and maybe he can prove himself, but I'm not passing up on someone like Rosen based on the slim chance that Kizer puts it all together from the bench.

We have been trying something different. We haven't taken the top QB in the draft since Tim Couch. We keep trying to find a diamond in the rough in the 2nd or 3rd round and unsurprisingly they keep not working out. QB is by far the most important position in football. No player we could take at #1 is even close to what a true FQB is worth.