The Cleveland Browns have been linked to plenty of offensive line prospects throughout the offseason.
However, there are multiple teams ahead of Cleveland that are desperate for o-line as well.
Instead of trading up, Cleveland may decide that trading down would actually benefit their organization the most.
There’s a chance that the Browns might not get their guy at No. 10, so they might as well take the best offer they can get.
Which organizations would make the most sense for the Browns No. 10 selection?
1. Atlanta Falcons
There have been reports that the Atlanta Falcons are heavily interested in moving up from their current No. 16 spot.
The #Falcons continue to be the team to watch when it comes to moving up in the NFL Draft. They have talked to teams well into the Top 10 and appear ready to make a huge leap from No. 16 via trade. CB remains a position of need: 👀 #OSU’s Jeff Okudah and #Florida’s CJ Henderson.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2020
The organization is in desperate need of help at defensive back, so moving into the top 10 would be key for them.
The Browns hold the No. 10 pick, which might not be high enough for Atlanta to land one of the top two cornerbacks in the draft.
However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the two sides at least had a conversation about the possibility of a trade.
The Falcons and Browns have made draft-day moves in the past, but it didn’t end up great for Cleveland last time.
Cleveland received five draft picks in exchange for sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Falcons went on to select superstar wide receiver Julio Jones with that pick.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have two first-round picks, but neither of them are within the top 15.
They currently own the No. 22 and No 25 pick, but need major upgrades at multiple positions.
The Vikings traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason, so replacing him is a must.
The wide receiver draft class is loaded, but if the Vikings want a potential superstar then they will need to trade up.
Another concern for Minnesota is at cornerback, but they’d likely need to trade up into the top 10 if they want a chance at the top tier prospects.
The Browns are fairly weak at the safety position, so maybe safety Anthony Harris is discussed as a possible trade piece.
Minnesota VIkings fans, sounds like the team has talked about trading up in the draft. Would you trade pick #22(780 points), pick # 58(320 points), and Anthony Harris(roughly 200 points=high third,) for pick #10 from Cleveland(1300 points) to draft a Top OL like Wirfs or Thomas?
— JJDEMARAY (@JJDEMARAY) April 16, 2020
Harris is on a one-year deal and the Vikings are in desperate need of help at two positions, so trading up with Cleveland would make sense.
3. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have been linked to star wide receiver prospects all offseason.
Trading into the Browns No. 10 selection would make a lot of sense for Denver.
The organization is desperate for a superstar receiver, but are stuck behind the Jets and Raiders who are also interested in drafting receivers.
The Broncos might be interested in jumping ahead of those teams and selecting the receiver of their choosing.
Denver currently owns three third round picks, so plenty of trade bait for teams like Cleveland.
Interesting.
One report/rumor saying the Broncos are trying to trade up to 10 with the Browns.
Another report/rumor saying there’s buzz building about the Browns trading back from 10 to draft Ezra Cleveland.
🤔🤔
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) April 16, 2020
It’s unlikely that the top tier receivers go before the Browns select, so that is potentially a perfect spot for Denver.
4. New England Patriots
Head coach Bill Belichick has been known to trade his draft picks, but could the New England Patriots actually trade up this season?
They currently own the No. 23 selection and don’t have a quarterback of the future with Tom Brady leaving for Tampa Bay.
Peter King has the Patriots trading up for Tua Tagovailoa in his latest mock draft pic.twitter.com/iQlzPJbRAz
— Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) April 20, 2020
New England may decide to play it safe and tank for a top pick next year, but it’s unlikely Belichick would want that.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Pats decide to trade up into the top 10 and select their future quarterback this season.
The Pats don’t own much draft capital this year, but Belichick has never been shy about trading away his draft picks for a potential star.
The Browns No. 10 selection might be too low for New England to grab a quarterback, but it definitely shouldn’t be ruled out yet.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles currently own the No. 18 selection, but are considering moving up in order to draft a wide receiver.
Much like the Broncos, the Eagles want to move ahead of the pack and select the receiver of their choosing.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has never been afraid to make moves to better the organization.
Howie said if feel the need to trade up for a pick, not afraid to do that if feel board falls off dramatically. Said won’t be swayed by already trading 2 picks for Darius Slay. #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) April 16, 2020
Moving into the Browns No. 10 spot would make sense for the Eagles.
They would move ahead of the receiver needy teams and most likely get first or second dibs on a receiver.
The Eagles have some veteran options currently, but it’s been quite some time since they’ve drafted a top tier receiver.
This could be the year that the Eagles finally draft their star receiver of the future.
NEXT: Should The Browns Draft Best Player Available Or For Need?
This is scary to me. It doesn’t matter the regime, we tend to trade back and it’s bit us in the backside many times. I worry we’re looking to get value rather than elite talent. Good enough is not great. I hope that they are just smarter than everyone else by targeting Cleveland(and looking at a trade) rather than the consensus top tackles or getting another stud at LB or DT. Elite talent runs the league and destroys decent talent.