Cleveland Browns GM Says Franchise Is ‘Very Flexible’ About Its 1st Round Pick

For the Cleveland Browns, 2020 was a season of redemption. Making their first postseason appearance since 2002, the franchise recorded its first playoff win of this millennium. 

Losing in the divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs means that the Cleveland Browns have the 26th pick in the upcoming draft. Not a usual sight for NFL fans.

The franchise has had a dismal past few seasons. Going from 1-15 in 2017, to 0-16 in 2018, the franchise is used to being one of the first ones on the draft board. 

But with times changing, the Browns’ draft strategy is evolving as well. 

Cleveland Browns could trade their pick

During a recent press conference, Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry talked about the team’s draft strategy for the upcoming event. 

“In general, how I view the draft is we really go into the mindset of really trying to maximize the long-term impact on our roster… It is less about filling a need or some level of instant gratification on the roster and more about a longer-term focus on the team,” said Berry. 

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When asked about what the Browns plan on doing with their first-round pick, the GM hinted at the franchise being open to trading it.

“I think the positioning in this draft allows us to be very flexible, whether that is moving up, down or sitting and picking. Largely, that will be dictated by how the board falls ahead of us. I think we have a lot of flexibility going into Thursday night.”

Berry though is aware that the city of Cleveland won’t be too happy if the franchise doesn’t make moves in the draft to build on a rare winning season. 

“I am going to guess a quiet Thursday night would not be popular amongst this audience,” Berry said. “I will tell you that I am comfortable if we pick, I am comfortable if we move out, and I am comfortable if we move up. Largely, it depends on circumstance,” he reiterated. 

The Browns have made several key signings to their defense in the offseason. Adding the likes of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and safety John Johnson, the franchise would surely benefit with a couple of more additions from the draft.

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