When it comes to the Cleveland Browns' draft plans, general manager Ray Farmer is pleading the fifth. The team is loaded with picks including two in the first round which gives the plenty of options that include trades up or down. The Browns obviously need a quarterback after cleaning the roster in the offseason, but can go about filling that need in multiple ways. While many predict the Browns will make a run at one of three rookie quarterbacks, Farmer might have different plans.
Drafting at No. 4 could land Cleveland a number of players. They could easily have Johnny Manziel fall into their laps. They might be able to land Jadeveon Clowney and they could also get Sammy Watkins. Farmer continues to avoid the question of grabbing a rookie quarterback, leading many to speculate the team might go in another direction.
"If I say yes," Farmer said, via ESPN.com, "then people will make the assumption that we are going to take a quarterback at 4. If I say no, then they will make the assertion that we're going to pass on a quarterback. So I'm going to plead the fifth."
The Browns have brought in almost all of the top rated quarterbacks in this year's draft. They have remained positive about every prospect from Teddy Bridgewater to AJ McCarron. However, they are also fond of the number of specialty players there are in this year's draft class. In need of a wide receiver, some draft experts believe the Browns could draft Watkins and make a trade for a quarterback.
A number of backup quarterbacks have suddenly become available for trades. Everyone from Mike Glennon to Ryan Nassib to Kirk Cousins could be available for the Browns. Their number of draft picks makes the options endless. If the Browns draft Watkins, they also have two third round picks that could be dealt for a quarterback. Farmer notes that he is remaining quiet because he is not interested in driving up outside interest on the players the Browns are eyeing.
Instead he is taking the approach of complimenting every player and making it known that the Browns might not do what everyone things. He likes the winning style of Manziel. He praised the passing abilities of Bridgewater. He contemplated a Watkins-Josh Gordon receiving tandem. He noted the presence of Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson would help out on offense. Remaining coy on draft plans is crucial for teams, but also leads to speculation. The draft really cannot come soon enough.