The draft plans of the Cleveland Browns is no longer a heated debate since the team does not have one of the top picks in the draft.
It has been three years since the Cleveland Browns did not have one of the top two picks in the NFL Draft. Granted Cleveland did execute several trades to move out of the second spot in 2016. Now Cleveland owns the 17th pick in April’s draft and their plans are no longer a heated debate until they eventually make their pick.
Arguments over quarterback, defensive line and best overall player were common place for three seasons. Discussions of Carson Wentz, Joey Bosa, Ezekeil Elliot, Mitchell Trubisky, Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley were the norm. This did not apply to just local coverage. Even the national television shows routinely help contentious debates over what the Browns should do. Referring to them as debates is being a bit kind, shouting matches is more accurate.
After tumultuous seasons in 2016 and 2017 which saw the team win exactly one game, Cleveland finally put things together and have a later draft pick. The team botched the 2016 draft, but absolutely nailed 2017 and 2018 by selecting Myles Garrett and Baker Mayfield with the number one pick. The team now has a premier pass rusher and a franchise quarterback. Two cornerstones of most successful NFL franchises. Of course the franchise quarterback is the most essential to the equation.
Now discussions about what the Browns should do are a little more calm and reasonable. Discussions no longer turn into screaming matches over what the team should do. The arguments of quarterback versus best player available are no more. With their draft position the wait for the draft is a little bit calmer. Not having daily debates over what the Browns should do at the top of the draft is a relaxing feeling. This may be the first of several years with rational draft discussions.
