The Cleveland Browns have been interested in a Marcus Mariota trade this offseason and heading into the NFL draft, the team could move up with the Washington Redskins if he falls to number five and he could be the target for the team along with names like DeVante Parker, Todd Gurley, Breshad Perriman, Chris Conley, Bryce Petty and Melvin Gordon.
The Browns come into the draft with two first round picks and that puts them in a position to move up for Marcus Mariota. The team has been linked to both Mariota and Sam Bradford this offseason, but if those two moves don't work out, the Browns could look at drafting another quarterback later in the draft. According to Pro Football Talk, the Browns have "been in touch" with Washington about the number five overall pick.
New reports came out the day before the draft on ESPN.com that the team was offering a trade to the Tennessee Titans for the number two overall pick. Pat McManamon of ESPN first reported that the Browns have offered two first round picks for the number two pick to the Titans, after which they would draft Mariota. Later ESPN's Paul Kuharsky, who covers the Titans, wrote that no offer has yet been made. Either way, the Browns are interested in Mariota.
There have been reports this year that teams in the top 10 could look at moving back, as this is considered to be a deep draft. The draft is also top heavy and the Browns could look at moving up for a number of names, not just Mariota. The team could consider Kevin White or Amari Cooper if they slip to five, as those players are considered to be the best WRs in the draft. The Browns signed Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, but with losing Josh Gordon for the year (and his career being up in the air) they could look at taking one of the receivers.
Taking a wideout could make up for trading out and passing on Sammy Watkins last season and with two first round picks, the Browns have the ammo to move. The team also has the most selections of any team in the draft, making it every likely they will pull off at least one trade at the event. The team picks at number 12 and number 19 in round one and that gives them a solid stable of picks to work with,.
Mariota had been getting a ton of attention coming into the draft and if he is not taken by the Titans, teams like the Browns, Jets, Eagles or Bears could look at trading up along with the Chargers. The Browns signed Josh McCown this offseason, but Ray Farmer said that the team would be looking at quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. Mariota has been mentioned as a target, but if the Bradford pursuit doesn't work out, players like Bryce Petty, Shane Carden and Brett Hundley could be options.
Taking a quarterback in the draft two years in a row is not the punishment it once was with the way rookie salaries are controlled and that could lead to the Browns adding another young prospect.
