I think I just got wet.
Sorry, I'm not buying the Browns trading a lot of draft capital to take the second or third best QB prospect. Their record is going to be really good, partially due to the weak teams coming up in the schedule.
This is the year to see if Baker can develop, which if you look at coaching hires has always been the plan for the 2020 season. I am eyeing up the edge defenders who can replace Vernon, safety help, and the corners who can bump Greedy Williams and his shoulder to the roster bubble.
Sorry, I'm not buying the Browns trading a lot of draft capital to take the second or third best QB prospect. Their record is going to be really good, partially due to the weak teams coming up in the schedule.
This is the year to see if Baker can develop, which if you look at coaching hires has always been the plan for the 2020 season. I am eyeing up the edge defenders who can replace Vernon, safety help, and the corners who can bump Greedy Williams and his shoulder to the roster bubble.
I'm not too hung up on the whole "second or third best QB prospect thing" because if that player is better than Mayfield and a guy they believe can be an elite QB in the NFL, then it's worth doing even if they aren't as good of a prospect as Trevor Lawrence.
A 9-7 record would put the Browns picking around 20th. If they're willing to unload their 2022 1st (and there's no guarantee they are willing to do this), they could jump as high as 5 IMO.
I'm not too hung up on the whole "second or third best QB prospect thing" because if that player is better than Mayfield and a guy they believe can be an elite QB in the NFL, then it's worth doing even if they aren't as good of a prospect as Trevor Lawrence.
There can be more than one elite QB prospect in a given draft.
Bolded, in my opinion, will be the reason I doubt the Browns will do it.
The problem with Mayfield goes beyond his stature. He can make every college football read and throw, but he has not picked up manipulating an NFL defense and sticking throws in a tight passing window. I don't know if another QB is going to show that ability because college quarterbacks aren't required to do it. The players like Aaron Rodgers who have figured it out did so after they were drafted.
Mayfield was a smooth and polished college QB with some physical limitations. If they see a player at the college level they like more than Mayfield, I have to assume it's somebody just as polished with better physical tools.
However, it's the NFL level of preparation that prevents Mayfield from advancing, and I don't see that available from a 21 year old playing against Virginia Tech or Vanderbilt.
Jets
Falcons
Washington
Jaguars
Giants
With you on the bolded, and they will have a bigger need and a better offer. I think Dave Gettleman will give Daniel Jones another year out of ego alone. Jags are such a wildcard, Mishnew and Jay Gruden are hitting on the high school chicks and ruining their tank.
Let's not forget the Bears and Colts are also ready to sell the farm to move up for a QB, and I would keep an eye on the Patriots too.
Doug Marrone is also on borrowed time and he's even talking about benching Minshew
Jets
Falcons
Washington
Jaguars
Giants
I don't think any of those teams are trading out of drafting a QB. At best you're looking at maybe the 6th QB prospect. Trading up is always an option but this year there will be at least 5 QB needy teams and there's always a team or two that gets added to the mix around draft time. We might even be that team or two.