CLEVELAND, OH — Thanks to signing DE Myles Garrett to a record-setting contract extension worth more than $40 million a year and $123.5 million guaranteed through 2030, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, does this change or alter the Cleveland Browns draft plans this coming April?
With glaring needs at quarterback, edge rusher, cornerback, running back, defensive line, offensive tackle and wide receiver, many NFL mocks have Cleveland taking either QB Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, ATH Travis Hunter or EDGE Abdul Carter.
While the Browns biggest need is at QB, thanks to the record-setting $230 million albatross of Deshaun Watson on the books for at least two more seasons, and a rather weak QB class, so have argued that the Browns should trade down and collect more picks and build around what they currently have have and hold out for a shot at a franchise QB in the 2026 NFL Draft next year in Pittsburgh that’ll likely be headlined by Arch Manning.
There are a lot of different ways Cleveland can go between now and Green Bay, so this is what I think may happen.
1.) Take QB Cam Ward if available. If not, trade down. If this scenario likely happens, don’t be shocked if Cleveland trades out of their No.2 pick to a team who is needy for a QB (Giants).
If Cleveland is able to swap with New York, get more picks, and a player such as Hunter, Michigan DT Mason Graham or even Sanders at No.3, plus an additional pick in the second round and a first next year. Andrew Berry saves his job!
2.) Sign a veteran QB1 as a bridge for Ward/Sanders, address RB and OL in the second round. In this scenario, the Browns bring in a veteran QB1–either Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco or Jameis Winston—on a one-year deal as a bridge mentor for either Ward or Sanders.
In the second round, look for the Browns to select a quality running back such as UNC stud Omarion Hampton, Iowa tailback Kaleb Johnson or one of Ohio State’s two running backs, TreyVyon Henderson or Quinshon Judkins in the second round.
What may also be a possibility is the Browns trading back into the second round to grab an offensive lineman for depth as Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio is likely done after this season. Keep an eye on Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon or Tyler Booker out of Alabama as likely targets.
3.) Select Abdul Carter at No.2 to pair up with Garrett, trade back into first round for QB Jaxson Dart. Being a Cleveland Browns writer, one thing I’ve learned about this franchise; nothing ever surprises me, especially on Draft Day!
In 2007, Cleveland selected future Hall of Fame left tackle and franchise cornerstone LT Joe Thomas second overall out of Wisconsin. Cleveland would trade up and select a falling Brady Quinn 22nd overall out of Notre Dame. In 2014, Cleveland selected CB Justin Gilbert eighth overall, and traded up in the first round (again!) to select Johnny Manziel 22nd overall.
So, you see where I’m going here. You see the pattern. If Carter is available at No.2, look for Cleveland to nab him and trade back up for a QB.
One of the hottest mock draft scenarios I’ve seen around the blogosphere recently is Cleveland selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, pairing him with Garrett to give Cleveland one of the nastiest 1-2 edge rusher tandems in the NFL. The Browns would then trade back into the first round and grab arguably the fastest riser from the Scouting Combine in Ole Miss—via USC—quarterback Jaxson Dart. Dart has the accuracy, arm strength and ability that Kevin Stefanski loves in a QB. Plus, he is mobile enough to extend plays.
One name to keep an eye on if Dart is off the board is Alabama QB Jalen Milroe, who may not be as polished of a thrower as Dart, but his athletic ability to run and make big time throws is something that new Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is quite familiar with from his time down in Tuscaloosa.