The Cleveland Browns could be the perfect trade partner for the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the draft.
As a reward for trading down from No. 4 pick last year, the Browns have two picks in the first round: Nos 12 and 19, the latter of which belonged to Buffalo. The Browns traded No. 4 to Buffalo last year for No. 9, a 2015 first-rounder and a 2015 fourth-rounder.
Could the Browns be interested in moving up to take Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota? If they are desperate, the Browns might be willing to give up No. 12 and No. 19. If that is the case, it would be an easy call for Oakland. It would be as sweet as when Khalil Mack fell to the Raiders at No. 5 last year. Still, there's no sure thing Cleveland will want to trade up this year.
And if they do, I have my doubts the Browns, who could also try to trade with Jacksonville at No. 3 if the Titans at No. 2 don't take Mariota, would be willing to give up that much for No. 4. Remember, two years ago the Raiders were only able to get No. 12 and No. 42 for No. 3. I know the fact that a quarterback would be in the mix would make it different, but still, the Browns may want to give less of a bounty or ask for more in return.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Browns ask for No. 4 and No. 68 from Oakland for No. 12 and No. 19. In that scenario the Raiders’ picks in the first three rounds would be No. 12, 19 and 35 instead of No. 4, 35 and 68.
The good news is the Raiders would have three picks between Nos. 12-35 and have more trade ammunition. The bad news is the Raiders would lose a chance at one of the true difference-makers in the draft.
If that is the case, what are your thoughts? Would you want the Raiders to make that trade?