The Cleveland Browns appear ready to end their 17-year playoff drought.
The start of free agency has seen tight end Austin Hooper, right tackle Jack Conklin, backup QB Case Keenum, and fullback Andy Janovich find their way to the Browns.
If the Browns really want to make the playoffs, the Browns will trade up for Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.
Make Up For The Loss
The Browns have already lost Joe Schobert in free agency and have already cut Christian Kirksey
Those are two quality linebackers that the team lost on defense.
Schobert led the team in tackles in 2019 and finished as a Pro Bowl selection in 2017.
Kirksey compiled 484 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in his Browns’ career from 2017 to 2019, while also serving as a captain.
Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons is an NFL-ready linebacker.
What Would It Take
In some mock drafts, Simmons is rated as high as the No. 3 overall prospect.
The Browns have the No. 10 overall pick, but the Detroit Lions are rumored to be interested in trading their first-round pick, which is No. 3 overall.
The Browns also have the following picks:
- First Round: No. 10
- Second round: No. 41
- Third round: No. 74
- Third round: No. 97
- Fourth round: No. 115
- Fifth round: None
- Sixth round: No. 187
- Seventh round: No. 244
The Lions would likely want to swap first-round picks for sure, and additional compensation.
The Browns could easily send the No. 10, No. 41 pick, and their No. 187 pick for Simmons.
He would be worth the cost.
The Product
The tape does not lie.
Simmons could be as versatile as it gets.
His 2019 numbers included 104 total tackles, 7.0 sacks, eight passes defended, and three interceptions.
Isaiah Simmons is about to destroy the NFL combine.
Definition of versatility. pic.twitter.com/wUSnKaENH0
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 27, 2020
That also includes the physical attributes that he brings too.
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Simmons had a great NFL Combine.
Simmons ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39, recorded a 39.0 vertical jump, and a 132.0 broad jump.
Isaiah Simmons
2020 #NFLCombine• Taller than DK Metcalf
• Heavier than Roquan Smith
• Faster than Devin Hester
• Jumps higher than Julio Jones
• More explosive than Alvin Kamara@ClemsonFB @isaiahsimmons25 pic.twitter.com/NeotE79Ivg
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 1, 2020
Pick Your Poison
The Browns could keep their pick at No. 10 and draft another position the team desperately needs.
The left tackle needs to be addressed.
If the Browns traded up, it’s hard to see the Lions not wanting the first and second-round pick.
At No. 10, the Browns could likely draft either Lousiville’s Mehki Becton, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, or Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.
The best-case scenario would be the Browns trading the first and third-round pick, so the Browns could address the position in the second round.
Prospects like Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland or USC’s Austin Jackson could fall to the third round.
That way, the Browns acquired a stable left tackle and the dynamic playmaker in Simmons.
Final Thoughts
Pull the trigger on the trade.
Simmons reminds the media of some of the best linebackers to ever play.
If you are the Browns, make this trade and enjoy the rewards.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Isaiah Simmons is Brian Urlacher. He’s huge, he’s freakishly athletic, and there isn’t a position on defense he can’t play.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) January 14, 2020
Not worth it to move up.