Krunch Time With Katelin 4.16.16: What Should The Browns Do?

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Cleveland Browns have the second overall pick  in the 2016 NFL Draft. They will mostly likely take either Carson Wentz or Jared Goff. But this team needs a lot more than a quarterback. Whether it is a pass rusher in Joey Bosa, another franchise left tackle in Laremy Tunsil, or the best defensive back in the draft Jalen Ramsey, the Browns have many options at two.

But what about trading down?

Trading down to seventh or eighth overall could net them accumulating picks for this year and next year. That would seem to be the analytical way to rebuild a franchise. The Browns know that this rebuild isn't going to be a one or two year fix, which is why trading down from number two makes the most sense. The Browns would still get a top 10 overall player if they trade down to seven or eight, but more importantly, they would accumulate picks which will likely be another top 10 pick in next years draft. Whether its to use as ammunition to trade up in future drafts to get their franchise quarterback, or to build around a revitalized Robert Griffin III, trading back and acquiring another first round pick is ideal.

Who could the Browns get at seven or eight?

Well they could draft Ohio State standout running back Ezekiel Elliott and have their high level ball carrier for the next eight to ten years. Perhaps UCLA linebacker Myles Jack if the Browns don't see any red flags with him medically. Or maybe Shaq Lawson, an outside pass rusher from Clemson, which would fill one of the Browns many needs. They could take anyone after trading down and justify the pick. That is how depleted the Browns are talent wise.

The Browns need to use the strategy the Dallas Cowboys used under Jimmy Johnson in 1989. Trade away your best players for picks and use those picks to get the guy you'd want. Personally, I am opposed to trading Joe Thomas but knowing what the Browns could get for him, I have warmed up to the idea. We know Thomas is a Hall of Fame Left Tackle and has been the rock of the Browns. But rebuilding and literally gutting the roster in order to acquire draft picks is the best and only way the Browns are going to successfully rebuild this team.

Another factor is trading down from two will also buy the Browns time. It would be a clear message that  Hue Jackson and Co. didn't like any of the quarterbacks near the top of the draft, and that the "process" will be delayed. Which could help Hue Jackson and the front office keep their jobs and force owner Jimmy Haslam to be patient.

I am not sold on any quarterback in this draft, and I'm starting to think Hue Jackson and others aren't either. He is the "quarterback guru" and as fans, we need to trust in Hue and the Harvard guys because we don't have any other choice.

Get ready for 1-15 next year... but at least we still have those cool uniforms right?!?!?