Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett is the undisputed top prospect in this year’s NFL draft, but the Cleveland Browns may go in a different direction with the No. 1 overall pick.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cleveland is considering taking a quarterback with the pick:
Just had an NFL exec tell me, "Don't be surprised if Myles Garrett isn't the No. 1 pick." Exec convinced a QB is in discussion at No. 1.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2017
Passing up on Garrett, a top pass rusher, is already a questionable move, but it’s especially head-scratching when some analysts believe there are no quarterbacks worthy of being selected anywhere in the first round this year. The top guys on the board would be North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes, and Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.
The Browns have reportedly shown interest in Trubisky for a while. Trubisky had a great junior year for UNC, throwing for 3,748 yards and 30 touchdowns, although the Tar Heels went just 8-5.
While a few mock drafts have Trubisky going as high as No. 6, most have him as a mid-to-late first round pick. The Browns also have the No. 12 pick, so if they really like Trubisky this much, they might still get him there while also taking Garrett first overall. Or they could try working out a deal to trade that No. 12 pick and move up a few spots to further ensure getting Trubisky with their second selection. NFL.com’s Charley Casserly even thinks the Browns could trade with the Saints for the final pick in the first round (No. 32 overall) and still get Trubisky.
Right now, the Browns are stuck in a bad situation at quarterback. They have Brock Osweiler after a nifty trade with the Texans, Cody Kessler, and Kevin Hogan in what seems to be a contest with the Bears for complete mediocrity at the position.
If they’re smart, they’ll take Garrett. Then they can hope Trubisky falls to No. 12, which is fairly likely. But they’re the Browns, so who the heck knows what moves they’ll pull out on draft day.