With all of the bad publicity surrounding the Cleveland Browns, the team is in need of a successful draft to get fans excited about the upcoming season. While multiple players have been associated with the team's draft plans, all signs point to defense being the main focus. After drafting both Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson in 2012, a pass rusher or cornerback will be the best option in this year's first round. The Browns currently draft at No. 6 overall, but reports are surfacing that they are aiming to move up to the top three in order to get Ziggy Ansah or Dion Jordan.
There has been a rush on pass rushers this season. Multiple teams in the first round have all been said to be considering the position with their first pick. The Philadelphia Eagles who draft at No. 4 and the Detroit Lions who draft at No. 5 are all teams looking to grab the best defensive players. While all this could be smokescreens, it has the Browns concerned just enough to consider trading up.
With the Kansas City Chiefs likely to draft an offensive lineman with the top pick and the Jacksonville Jaguars considering either a tackle or a quarterback with the second pick, if Cleveland can get up to No. 3, they will have their choice of any pass rusher they want. It would put them in position to grab Jordan or Ansah, the two best out there.
Jordan's draft stock has risen over recent weeks as he is considered one of the most athletic players in the draft class. He can play in a 3-4 defense which is the type of scheme the Browns run. He would be the type of player a team would build their defense around. Ansah's NFL potential is through the roof with his speed being the center point of his skill set. As a starter, he acquired 62 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks.
If the Browns feel that the Eagles and Lions might actually try and draft defense, they will likely sacrifice later picks and move up. The Eagles have been considering moving down in the draft as well. The Browns must determine if they will call the team's bluff or not.
