Four Teams Looking to Trade Up for Trent

[HoosierCat]

I mentioned this rumor on the NFL forum but Hensley at espn says it's the real deal.

/>http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/45918/report-browns-no-4-pick-drawing-interest

t least four teams have called the Cleveland Browns about the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft, sources told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

One of the teams believed to be in the mix is the St. Louis Rams. That would mean dropping to No. 6. Just say no. Why? The Browns can say goodbye to an elite offensive playmaker in running back Trent Richardson if they trade down. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would immediately grab Richardson at No. 5.

Another potential trade partner is the Philadelphia Eagles. This would require the Browns to fall to No. 15. Cleveland really has to say no to this one. Why? It's a pipe dream to think wide receiver Michael Floyd is going to be available at this spot. He's going to get drafted by Buffalo (No. 10) or Arizona (No. 13).

First, anything that keeps Richardson out of the AFCN (aside from the Bengals, of course) is fine by me.

Second, could the Bengals be one of the two unnamed teams? Somewhere, wraith is drooling...

[BengalszoneBilly]

I mentioned this rumor on the NFL forum but Hensley at espn says it's the real deal.

/>http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/45918/report-browns-no-4-pick-drawing-interest

t least four teams have called the Cleveland Browns about the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft, sources told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

One of the teams believed to be in the mix is the St. Louis Rams. That would mean dropping to No. 6. Just say no. Why? The Browns can say goodbye to an elite offensive playmaker in running back Trent Richardson if they trade down. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would immediately grab Richardson at No. 5.

Another potential trade partner is the Philadelphia Eagles. This would require the Browns to fall to No. 15. Cleveland really has to say no to this one. Why? It's a pipe dream to think wide receiver Michael Floyd is going to be available at this spot. He's going to get drafted by Buffalo (No. 10) or Arizona (No. 13).

First, anything that keeps Richardson out of the AFCN (aside from the Bengals, of course) is fine by me.

Second, could the Bengals be one of the two unnamed teams? Somewhere, wraith is drooling...

And my pants are starting to fit a bit snug again.

[Stripes]

n/m wrong thread

[ArmyBengal]

I don't see Cleveland wanting to drop all the way down to #17 and do a trade that would greatly benefit a division rival.

If the Bengals want Trent that bad, it would take them going up to #3.

Just my take.

[cincyhokie]

How many players are a lock for the top 15 now? About 30? That's what I thought.

Some GOOD players are going to fall to the Bengals at 17 and 21.

[Stripes]

How many players are a lock for the top 15 now? About 30? That's what I thought.

Some GOOD players are going to fall to the Bengals at 17 and 21.

I think one of them will be DeCastro.

[bwillycuse]

funny in the beginning of draft talks. some projected Richardson falling to 17.

[derekshank]

funny in the beginning of draft talks. some projected Richardson falling to 17.

Yep. I've been calling Trent Richardson a top 5 pick all along. I would love to see him fall, but I've never considered that a viable option... which is why I quickly became the leader of the Chris Polk fan club.

[kingwilly]

I don't think it wise to move up, giving up what is mentioned, to get Trent. Even if it means Cleveland gets him. You don't make moves in the draft to prevent other teams from getting a player.

Getting starter quality O-line, WR, CB or LB talent (2 total in r1) would make more impact than RB. To be honest, I'd like to see Peerman get more touches. He runs with power and has far better speed than Benson had. Plus he has good hands.

[skyline]

I don't think it wise to move up, giving up what is mentioned, to get Trent. Even if it means Cleveland gets him. You don't make moves in the draft to prevent other teams from getting a player.

Getting starter quality O-line, WR, CB or LB talent (2 total in r1) would make more impact than RB. To be honest, I'd like to see Peerman get more touches. He runs with power and has far better speed than Benson had. Plus he has good hands.

Yeah, I would love to have Richardson, but people seem to forget that he's not the only talented back in the draft. Even if he turns out to be a beast, I don't recall Adrian Peterson winning a super bowl for for the Vikings anytime recently.

It takes a whole team to win and two first round picks are a good way to get that done.

[Kazkal]

I don't see Cleveland wanting to drop all the way down to #17 and do a trade that would greatly benefit a division rival.

If the Bengals want Trent that bad, it would take them going up to #3.

Just my take.

Ya they made mistake once in giving Ravens Ngata..

[ArmyBengal]

As much as I would love Trent and wouldn't complain if they did it, you need not look any further than DFlo's mock draft thread where we ended up with both Gilmore and Glenn. That could just as easily be DeCastro and Kirkpatrick or name two other players that could start day one. I just really don't see the need to potentially give up Gilmore and Glenn for Richardson. Can't forget next years 2nd either. It's just to much when we can keep those players and still pick up another potential starter in this and next years 2nd round.

[Wraith]

That somewhere is round 'bout St. Paul, MN.

Would it hurt so bad if while giving up Gilmore we got Fleming or

Minnifield? Or by giving up Glenn we got Zeitler or Silatou or Osemele?

While it is true that there are other RBs in this draft it is also true that there is a deep pool of Cornerbacks and Offensive Guards.

Look, we have 9 selections in this draft and we have 4-6 holes in our 53 man roster. Here is the roster breakdown as I see it.

Offense:

QB (3) Dalton, Gradkowski, Robinson

RB (3 or 4) Green-Ellis, Scott, Peerman, Leonard (Scott and Peerman could use an up grade so potential draft selection here)

FB (1) Pressley or perhaps Leonard

TE (3) Gresham, Lee, Cochart (Cochart could use an upgrade possible draft selection here)

OT (4) Whitworth, Collins, A. Smith, Roland

OG (4-5) Wharton, Bell, Boling, Hudson, ? (definately 1 selection here either G or C)

C (1-2) Cook, ? (or here)

WR (5 or 6) Green, Shipley, Hawkins, Binns, ?, Hazelton or Tate (Definately 1 selection here)

Definately 2 draft selections required on offense possibly as many as 4

Defense:

DE (4) Dunlap, Geathers, M. Johnson, Harvey

DT (4 or 5) Peko, Atkins, Sims, Anderson, ? (a potential depth selection here)

OLB (4) Lawson, Howard, Moch, Skuta or B. Johnson or Rey

MLB (2) Maualuga, Muckelroy

CB (6) Hall, Clements, Newman, Allen, Ghee, ? (definate draft selection here)

S (4) Nelson, Mays, Sands, Miles

Definately 1 selection on defense as many as 2

Rounding out the depth chart

K (1) Nugent

P (1) Huber

LS (1) Harris

So if you follow the depth chart where in the heck are we going to play 9 rookies....the answer is nowhere 3 or 4 rookies out of this class are targeted for the PS or someone elses' team provided we stand pat. We have to use our picks to create leverage and if that is not moving up in the first, it certainly should be moving up into the 3rd or 4th rounds.

Would I be upset by a selection of Gilmore or Kirkpatrick in the 1st, absolutely not, but, I think there are about 10 really good corners in this draft not including Claiborne. Gilmore and Kirkpatrick, Tremaine Johnson from Montana, Josh Robinson from Central Florida, Brandon Boykin from Georgia, Jamell Flemming from Oklahoma, Coryell Judie from Texas A&M, Leonard Johnson from Iowa State, Omar Boldin from Arizona State, and Chase Minnifield from Virginia in no particular order are all very good CB prospects so we do not absolutely HAVE to select one in the first 2 rounds. I would love to have DeCastro fall to us at #17 as well but I am not certain he will...as for Glenn...I think Zeitler is a better pure guard and Silatou might be as well although he grades out against inferior competition and Osemele is close.

Come on, tell me if a draft of Trent Richardson (RB), Kevin Zeitler (OG), Chase Minnifield (CB), Bruce Irving or Alameda Ta'amu (DE or DT), Marvin McNutt (WR), and James Hanna (TE) would be a disappointment to anyone. What if we elect to keep all of our selections and guys like DeCastro and Gilmore are long gone by the time we pick, it is very possible that Gilmore goes top 10, DeCastro goes #11 to the Bills, and Malcom Floyd goes #16 to the Jets...then what, we take Kirkpatrick at #17. What if then Kirkpatrick goes #14 to the Cowboys. Do we then reach for a guard or perhaps take Konz at C? Do we take Fleener, because in that scenario he represents the BPA at that point (Coples is dropping like a rock wouldn't be shocked to see him available for our selection in the second ala Carlos Dunlap or Rey Maualuga who were also both projected as high 1st rounders until about a week before their drafts). Do we reach for a guys with potential like Stephan Hill who could also be a complete bust? I just think we could easily be at #21 and find ourselves having a difficult decision to make.

If my draft were to play out here is our 53 man roster:

Offense:

QB (3) Dalton, Gradkowski, Robinson

RB (3) Richardson, Green-Ellis, Leonard

FB (1) Pressley

TE (3) Gresham, Lee, Hanna (Cochart back to the PS)

OT (4) Whitworth, Collins, A. Smith, Roland

OG (5) Wharton, Bell, Boling, Hudson, Zeitler

C (1) Cook (Boling or Zeitler or Hudson Backup C)

WR (6) Green, Shipley, Hawkins, Binns, McNutt, Hazelton or Tate

Defense:

DE (4) Dunlap, Geathers, M. Johnson, Harvey

DT (5) Peko, Atkins, Sims, Anderson, Ta'amu

OLB (4) Lawson, Howard, Moch, Skuta or B. Johnson or Rey

MLB (2) Maualuga, Muckelroy

CB (5) Hall, Clements, Newman, Allen, Minnifield

S (4) Nelson, Mays, Sands, Miles

K (1) Nugent

P (1) Huber

LS (1) Harris

And that my friends is a Super Bowl Lineup.

[ArmyBengal]

Here's my thoughts on the trade up for Richardson and I have stated I would be good if it happens.

If they truly want Richardson, it will take a trade up to #3, because I don't think the Browns will pass on him and the Bucs surely won't. I say #3 because the Browns aren't making that trade with a division rival and not falling all the way back to #17 in the first. Not happening.

Now, to get to the #3 it will take both of our firsts this year and either our second this year or next and maybe more. If i'm guessing, it would take this years second as the Vikings would want more for trading back so much. The Falcons gave up 2 firsts, a second, and two fourths to get Jones at #6. Granted they moved up 21 spots, but we are talking about moving into the top 3 picks.

While I could see giving up both firsts this year, the second rounder this year would hurt. Sure we could still get some quality guys in the 3rd, but I think it's how you evaluate the holes we have. I see CB as a pretty significant hole (although others will disagree) when looking at the length of the contracts and the age of the guys we have in both Clements and Newman. That's not even considering the fact Hall is coming off injury and I would bet big money on him getting PUP'd. Even if he comes back after 6 weeks, how ready is he ?? What about his condition the following year ?? A bunch of question marks.

OG is a freakin mess in my book. While Wharton presents an upgrade to Living, lets not pretend that wasn't an easy task. I will be ok with that, but Jacob Bell at RG ?? Nope, not pleased going into the season with him starting. If we have to wait until the 3rd round, are we going to find the big upgrade over what we already have in Boling or Hudson ?? I just see OG as a big need for both the protection of Dalton and wanting to boost the running game we are talking about trading up to improve. Adrian Peterson isn't winning Super Bowls for the Vikings.

I will say the #2 WR spot could be upgraded in the 3rd or later, so I don't have as much an issue there. Bottomline, I just think they would be giving up to much in terms of what they could add to the team. It's not to say I wouldn't like Richardson, because I would flip if they would actually get that aggressive and make it happen. I don't agree with making the move to keep him from the Browns, as I think that's silly, but I think him Dalton and Green would be awesome for many years.

[Wraith]

2 firsts, 2 fifths, and one of next years 2nds would allow us to trade up to #3, the Vikings desperately need more players and no one else will be able to offer then the second 1st. IMHO.

That would allow us to spend the second on a Guard and the third on a CB. Someone very talented at Guard will be available for us in the 2nd either Zeitler, Silatou, Osemele, Konz, or Brooks will definately be available and they are all VERY good prospects.

[ArmyBengal]

The thing about "2 firsts" is it's really an extra first and a downgraded first since they already had one to begin with. It's not like they are getting 2 firsts they didn't have, not saying you said that, just pointing out. If they were to take next years 2nd as opposed to this one, I would be beside myself with joy.

I just think they are going to want far more.

The Rams got 3 first round picks and another second to move down from #2 to #6.

[Wraith]

The thing about "2 firsts" is it's really an extra first and a downgraded first since they already had one to begin with. It's not like they are getting 2 firsts they didn't have, not saying you said that, just pointing out. If they were to take next years 2nd as opposed to this one, I would be beside myself with joy.

I just think they are going to want far more.

The Rams got 3 first round picks and another second to move down from #2 to #6.

Totally different situation given that the trade was for a potential franchise QB, they also traded for two FUTURE 1st Rders which are devalued. Could be wrong but I am hearing that the Vikings want two first rounders this year plus extra as compensation and we are positioned to do just that, the Vikes need O-line as much as anything and #17 and #21 could net them Martin and Glenn.

[HoosierCat]

My thinking parallels wraith's.

[skyline]

It's still just too much to give up for a team that needs depth.

Richardson isn't the only rb in this draft that can be successful, especially if Gruden gets the RB by committee that he wants.

[ArmyBengal]

If that is all the Vikings want, then cool.

That would certainly change things a bit.

I've said many times I would have little issue with them making that move and giving up next years 2nd when we have two would be optimal. I still don't think they do it, but it sure would be awesome !!!

[HoosierCat]

It's still just too much to give up for a team that needs depth.

I don't think depth is anywhere near as much an issue as the dearth of stud playmakers.

[Wraith]

It's still just too much to give up for a team that needs depth.

Richardson isn't the only rb in this draft that can be successful, especially if Gruden gets the RB by committee that he wants.

I would argue that this team needs depth, we have deep talent at almost every position....We need depth at OLine, WR, and Cornerback thats about it.

Again while Richardson is not the only RB in this draft he is far and away the best RB in this draft and one of the few players in this entire draft at any position that is capable of beinging an instant impact kind of guy. I like Martin, Miller, Wilson, Pead, Polk etc. but they all have holes in their game. Lamar Miller is not a good blitz pickup guy which will limit his 3rd Down effectiveness. Martin does not have breakaway speed and is not adept making plays outside. David Wilson had the same YPC average in the passing game as in the running game (5.9) which means he has issues running routes and catching with his hands in stride. Pead will not be a good inside runner in the NFL IMHO (though he was surprisingly good in college) and will also struggle in blitz pickup due to his size. Polk has had some personality and character issues and reported did not come off well in combine interviews (though I will admit that this is hearsay).

Only Richardson emerges into the NFL as a complete back IMHO.

[skyline]

It's still just too much to give up for a team that needs depth.

Richardson isn't the only rb in this draft that can be successful, especially if Gruden gets the RB by committee that he wants.

Again while Richardson is not the only RB in this draft he is far and away the best RB in this draft and one of the few players in this entire draft at any position that is capable of beinging an instant impact kind of guy. I like Martin, Miller, Wilson, Pead, Polk etc. but they all have holes in their game.

Which is why they would be fine in our system where they'd be asked to split the carries with two/three other guys rather than carry the team by themselves. Give me a guy that complements our rb corps well and also keep the other draft picks to add additional starters that will also help our team immediately.

Plus, I'd hate to put all of our eggs in one basket and then watch him blow his knee out in week 1 of the preseason. I realize that could happen to any draft pick, of course, but if that were to happen after this trade, then we're watching 3 or 4 draft picks go down simultaneously.

[Walrus]

It's still just too much to give up for a team that needs depth.

Richardson isn't the only rb in this draft that can be successful, especially if Gruden gets the RB by committee that he wants.

Again while Richardson is not the only RB in this draft he is far and away the best RB in this draft and one of the few players in this entire draft at any position that is capable of beinging an instant impact kind of guy. I like Martin, Miller, Wilson, Pead, Polk etc. but they all have holes in their game.

Which is why they would be fine in our system where they'd be asked to split the carries with two/three other guys rather than carry the team by themselves. Give me a guy that complements our rb corps well and also keep the other draft picks to add additional starters that will also help our team immediately.

Plus, I'd hate to put all of our eggs in one basket and then watch him blow his knee out in week 1 of the preseason. I realize that could happen to any draft pick, of course, but if that were to happen after this trade, then we're watching 3 or 4 draft picks go down simultaneously.

This is pretty much all I can think about when I contemplate this trade. I know it falls under the category of irrational fear, but on the other hand we all know it's a distinct possibility.

Also, correllary to this somewhat unrealistic scenerio is the reality that a RB in today's NFL is not going to last as an elite talent more than a small handful of (3-4) seasons - if they ever attain "elite" status at all. I hate the idea of sinking three first/second round picks on the RB position. That seems really foolish.

I wouldn't hate the move if they made it just because I'd be as excited as anyone to have a stud RB like that, but ... I just see it as a very, very risky move.

[cHaD711Johnson]

It's still just too much to give up for a team that needs depth.

Richardson isn't the only rb in this draft that can be successful, especially if Gruden gets the RB by committee that he wants.

Again while Richardson is not the only RB in this draft he is far and away the best RB in this draft and one of the few players in this entire draft at any position that is capable of beinging an instant impact kind of guy. I like Martin, Miller, Wilson, Pead, Polk etc. but they all have holes in their game.

Which is why they would be fine in our system where they'd be asked to split the carries with two/three other guys rather than carry the team by themselves. Give me a guy that complements our rb corps well and also keep the other draft picks to add additional starters that will also help our team immediately.

Plus, I'd hate to put all of our eggs in one basket and then watch him blow his knee out in week 1 of the preseason. I realize that could happen to any draft pick, of course, but if that were to happen after this trade, then we're watching 3 or 4 draft picks go down simultaneously.

Exactttly. I can't rationalize moving into the top 3 to draft an RB, Even if Trent ends up like Adrian Peterson, this draft is still very deep at Running Back. The 2nd Round has provided GREAT value for RB in recent history. Shady McCoy, Ray Rice, Maurice Jones-Drew are top RBs in the league that were found in the 2nd round. I'd much rather draft a David Wilson in the 2nd round, while adding Decastro and Gilmore in the 1st round than to walk away with just Trent Richardson in the 1st round. We have a chance to add 3 impact guys with our first 3 picks and I don't want to risk that.