Browns, Giants Shopping Top Picks Before NFL Draft

There could be some major movement happening atop the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft.

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants — who hold picks No. 2 and No. 3 — are reportedly listening to trade offers for their first-round selections — according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager.

Schrager also mentioned that teams looking to move up would be doing so to select from a pool of prospects that includes WR/CB Travis Hunter, EDGE Abdul Carter, and RB Ashton Jeanty.

The Browns and Giants tied for the worst record in the NFL last season (both going 3-14). They finished with the same record as the Tennessee Titans. The Titans won the three-team tiebreaker and hold pick No. 1.

Tennessee’s general manager Mike Borgonzi stated that teams had inquired about the first overall pick, but that they aren’t interested in trading down. Most believe the Titans intend on drafting Miami quarterback Cam Ward which would take the top QB off the board.

An already thin QB class becomes even worse with Ward off the board. That’s bad news for Cleveland and New York who each have question marks under center. Browns starter Deshaun Watson is likely to miss the season recovering from an Achilles tear. The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the offseason, but both are seen as stop-gap options.

The lack of QB options is likely prompting both team’s willingness to trade down. Cleveland and New York could afford to move down several spots, acquire more draft capital, and continue to patch holes on their flawed rosters.

Teams looking to move up for a chance to select Hunter, Carter, or Jeanty would be an expansive list. In Hunter’s case, any team that is willing to give up multiple picks for the Colorado product is all but surely ready to deploy the versatile star on both sides of the ball.

Carter is more of a plug-and-play option that will work on any defense. As a running back, Jeanty is more of a luxury pick. However, with the overall lack of star power in this draft class, Jeanty potential as a future All-Pro will be enticing for teams that need to improve their run game.

There’s been a shocking lack of movement in this year’s draft, especially in the first round. As of Tuesday, all 32 NFL teams still hold their own first-round pick. That could change in a hurry with two top picks now reportedly available.