With two picks in the top-12 of the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have perhaps the best assets to land New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in a trade.
They are reportedly considering doing just that.
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said (per Phil Perry, CSN New England) that his goal would be to draft either Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett or Alabama’s Jared Allen No. 1 and use the 12 pick to land Garoppolo. Albert Breer of MMQB.com responded saying that Cleveland has discussed that very idea.
Browns have discussed this scenario. Conceptually, like Oakland getting Khalil Mack and Derek Carr in the same year. https://t.co/NBmBXzWtR6
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 27, 2017
For a few reasons, that would be a roll of the dice.
One, Garropolo was a late second round pick in 2014. Granted, he filled in capably for Tom Brady for two games at the beginning of the 2016 season. But otherwise, Garropolo’s career has consisted of nothing more than mop-up time. Is anyone really sure that he’s a franchise quarterback now?
Two, how many trades have the Bill Belichick era Patriots regretted? They might have let a few guys go a season too early but generally speaking, Belichick has had a knack for letting guys go at the exact right moment. Remember, Matt Cassel was “hot stuff” when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Conversely, how many trades have the Browns gotten the better end of? New England has a legend at quarterback, but he’s almost 40. It might be telling if the Pats are willing to part with his 25-year-old backup and presumed heir apparent.
None of that means that Cleveland shouldn’t make this hypothetical trade, one that’s been suggested as highly likely. It’s just something to consider.