The thinking all along has been that the Cleveland Browns, sitting No. 2 in the upcoming NFL draft, would have their choice of quarterbacks – Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch – to hand to the great QB whisperer Hue Jackson to mold for future greatness.
Now, with the team having signed Robert Griffin III, a former No. 2 overall pick himself, the waters have become muddied. That doesn’t mean the Browns won’t pick a quarterback – Griffin’s deal, after all, is for only two years. But it does make it more likely they would use that pick to address one of their (many) other needs instead.
If the Browns decide not to target a quarterback, instead going with someone like Florida State safety Jalen Ramsey, how would that affect the rest of the top 10? Let’s make an attempt at figuring out how things might shake out:
No. 3, San Diego: The Chargers have a need at safety with Eric Weddle gone, and will be unhappy to see Ramsey gone. They also have a need at defensive line, though, so they figure to snap up either Ohio State’s Joey Bosa or Oregon’s DeForest Buckner here.
No. 4, Dallas: The Cowboys figure to address their defense with whichever stud defensive lineman the Chargers don’t pick. But you never know, if they don’t think Bosa/Buckner are game changers they could look to trade out of this spot as well.
No. 5, Jacksonville: The Jaguars have the makings of a high-powered offense. Their defense is another story, even with the additions of Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara in free agency. UCLA’s do-it-all linebacker Myles Jack looks like the perfect match in this spot.
No. 6, Baltimore: This is the key spot to watch. With San Francisco lurking at No. 7 and almost-certainly eyeing a quarterback, there could be a few QB-hungry teams looking to move into this spot. The Ravens, are in an enviable spot and could turn this pick into multiple assets if they play their cards right. How about a swap with the Rams (who have the No. 15 pick)? The Rams move up and nab Wentz or Goff and the Ravens still get an impact offensive lineman, linebacker or receiver at No. 15.
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