Jesus Martinez | Main Columnist
Within two weeks we witnessed the landscape of the NFL alter completely, as the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns both traded away their top picks to the Eagles and Rams. In a wild week, we now know that the top two picks will most likely be quarterbacks. The NFL Draft is now only 5 days away, but the trades within these teams will affect them for decades to come. Here is a look at each trade for the 4 teams mentioned.
Reviewing Each Trade:
Who Won:
The monster trade, which had a surplus of 9 picks, was a whopper of an offer. The Rams traded up to select a future QB, while the Titans have multiple picks to build up their team around. While the Titans lost the ability to get a talented player in Laremy Tunsil, they can access key needs with their picks, and could have two of the top 10 picks in next years draft. WINNER: TITANS
Who Won:
The Cleveland Browns have a ways with trading. Two years ago, the Browns traded their first round pick (4) to the Bills for two first round picks (8,19) and a fourth round pick. The problem for the Browns is who they select. The Browns draft luck since 1996 has been the worst in the league, producing the most busts than any other team. In 2013, the Browns traded Trent Richardson for a first round pick, which over time showed its true value. With the pick, the Browns famously selected: Johnny Manziel. The infamous Browns QB Jersey (which has 22 names, for all starting QB's since 1998, back when Tim Couch was selected #1 overall) will live on, as the Browns traded away the ability to select [Wentz/Goff] to the Eagles. However, they received A LOT of picks, in which they can use it on key players to help out in the future. The Browns had nothing to lose, and everything to win in this trade. WINNER: BROWNS
WHAT EACH TEAM CAN DO WITH THEIR PICK:
Los Angeles Rams
The newly named LA Rams get to start off the new franchise with a blockbuster deal. The trade was meant for the Rams to accept, being in LA, and getting attention for an irrelevant team to make strides as a playoff team. The Rams have the first overall pick in this years draft, and can make a selection from several talented players.
Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Center, Defensive Back
It is already imperative that the Rams must select a Quarterback with this pick. The QB spot has the worst QBR out of any team in the league since 2007. The question is which QB will be selected, Jared Goff or Carson Wentz? Jeff Fisher stated that the Rams will not reveal the pick until draft night, but multiple reports stated that there is a "99.9% chance Jared Goff would be selected by the Rams." Jared Goff (Cal) is the best QB available in this draft, with the best intangibles out of any QB in the class. A strong arm with good accuracy, Goff has a higher completion percentage than anyone in the PAC-12. He is the best QB to select, and while he may not make an immediate impact, he will develop over time into a seasoned product in the NFL.
WITH THE FIRST OVERALL PICK, THE LOS ANGELES RAMS SELECT: JARED GOFF, CALIFORNIA.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have had a messy three years under Chip Kelly. After two 10-6 seasons, the Eagles seemed destined to build up to be a championship contender. Instead, they took a step back to mediocrity. How did they do that? After two years of being Head Coach, Chip Kelly attained GM controls of the team. Soon afterwards, he revamped his entire team. Nick Foles, gone. Lesean McCoy, gone. Jeremy Maclin and Desean Jackson? They left too. Multiple trades and signings gave the Eagles a new look team. One that was favored to win the Super Bowl, a team similar to the "Dream Team" back in 2011. But games, and ultimately the season, wasn't meant to be. Now, they made a gamble of a trade, moving up to 2nd overall, giving up A LOT of value in the process. This selection is extremely important to the franchise, and they can't mess this up..
Needs: Running Back, Offensive Line, Pass Rusher, Wide Receiver, Quarterback
Now that Sam Bradford is asking to trade now that the Eagles have the #2 pick, it seems clear that Quarterback is an issue for Philly. Sanchez left for Denver, and while it's unclear where Bradford will go, this pick should be addressed for a QB. The North Dakota native seems ideal for the pick, as his build and ability to function in a pro-style offense will be something NFL Coaches love about him. He has athleticism to evade the pocket when coverage is good, but doesn't over use it to become a scrambling QB. He is a pocket passer first, but always looking to gain yards. With the right coaching and good development, he can deliver the hype mentioned in the combine about him being as good as Luck in 2012, and the potential to be a "franchise QB."
WITH THE SECOND PICK, THE PHILLY EAGLES SELECT: CARSON WENTZ, NORTH DAKOTA ST.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns went down in the draft, and now have the 8th overall pick. In a situation where the Browns could've selected a possible future QB, they now look towards RGIII as a short term solution. If he can progress this year and return to old form, then the Browns will have a lot of flexibility in future year drafts. However, looking at the present day, it seems that the Top 2 picks in the draft will be QB's, which means that the Browns won't get the QB they want, and won't get a good one. However, they can use that eighth overall pick to address other issues...
Needs: Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, Inside Linebacker, Offensive Line, Quarterback
It seems ideal who the Browns can select with this pick. There are many holes that the Browns can fix with the 8th pick. The Wide Receiver hole is one they must fix, since the core is depleted after Josh Gordon was caught breaking the NFL Substance Policy, again. There is no clear number 1 WR, or a WR with top 10 value. If they were to select one, a solid pick would be Josh Doctson out of TCU, Trevon Boykin's favorite target with two 1000 yard seasons. Replacing Joe Thomas would be a good plan, and All-American Ronnie Stanley could protect RGIII if selected. Myles Jack, if he falls, could be a great option here, as he has great tackling ability and good instinct to adapt to the offense and make a play. He seems like the ideal pick if he falls, as the defense needs help in the front seven.
WITH THE EIGHT PICK, THE CLEVELAND BROWNS SELECT: RONNIE STANLEY, NOTRE DAME
Tennessee Titans
After trading down the number one overall pick in this years draft, the Titans have limited options in the 2016 Draft. They currently have the 15th overall pick in the draft, and intend to use it wisely. They are one of the worst teams in the NFL, after posting a 3-13 record. Their offensive line is horrendous, their WR core could use a boost, and the aging Linebacker corps could be addressed here.
Draft Needs: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Defensive End, Wide Receiver, Safety
My suggestion to the Titans would be to trade up again in the draft to possibly #3/#4, or maybe #5 to select Jalen Ramsey. Now that the Top 2 picks were traded, talks for the 3rd and 4th picks have significantly cooled down. But the Titans could trade up with the Chargers, and possibly give up less than what the Chargers were asking for 2 weeks ago. But they have the 15th pick, and giving a hypothetical situation where they don't trade up and keep their pick, the have some talented prospects on the board. In my opinion, they should select the best player on the board, which if all plays out correctly, would be Corey Coleman out of Baylor. He is underrated for his size, as he is explosive with a quick step on the football, and shows and underrated display of strength. He can make an immediate contribution, and pair of with Dorial Green-Beckham as the best young duo in the NFL.
WITH THE FIFTEENTH PICK, THE TENNESSEE TITANS SELECT: COREY COLEMAN, BAYLOR
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