The 2015 NFL Draft is just a few days away, and there’s plenty of reason to be excited about the festivities in Chicago if you’re a Cleveland Browns fan. Here’s our breakdown of everything Browns fans need to know heading into draft week.
Browns, Eagles Discussing Trade Involving Johnny Manziel, Sam Bradford
Our very own Mack Ferguson broke this story in early April, citing a source who confirmed trade talks between the Browns and Philadelphia Eagles:
According to a source very close to an agent involved in the trade talks, the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles have engaged in multiple discussions to send Browns QB Johnny Manziel and draft picks to the Eagles in exchange for Eagles QB Sam Bradford, who was recently acquired via trade from the St. Louis Rams.
According to our source, both sides are very motivated to get a deal done, with each side valuing the other’s QB more than the QB currently on their rosters.
The Eagles reportedly want Manziel AND one of the Browns' first-round picks (#12,#19), so it remains to be seen if the Browns are willing to pay such a premium for what could be a one-year rental of Bradford.
Bud Dupree A Target At #12?
Several draft analysts have connected the Browns in mock drafts to Kentucky pass rusher Bud Dupree including CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler and ClevelandBrowns.com’s Kevin Jones, pointing to the fact that the team didn’t address the pass rush in free agency.
Here’s ClevelandBrowns.com’s analysis of how/where Dupree could fit in the draft mix for Cleveland:
The defensive line and secondary were addressed in free agency with the additions of lineman Randy Starks and cornerback Tramon Williams. The pass rushing situation was not, and that includes losing Jabaal Sheard to the New England Patriots. Cleveland has a bona fide stud in Paul Kruger (11 sacks in 2014) and defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil remains extremely high on Barkevious Mingo, who likely will be a completely different player without a nagging shoulder injury. Still, more coal could be used to throw on fire to pressure the quarterback more often and Dupree has potential to be a vital piece to a defense.
Danny Shelton Another 1st-Round Option?
Per ClevelandBrowns.com, defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil covets the 6'2", 339-pound Shelton as a potential first-round pick.
The former Washington Huskies defensive tackle is the epitome of a space eater on defense, and his presence on the defensive line could be a huge asset for both the pass rush and the team's run defense.
Stay tuned.
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