The Cleveland Browns have been connected to a major NFL Draft trade.
Last year, the Cleveland Browns traded down from the No. 2 overall pick, landing a very nice return that ultimately resulted in them having a pair of first-round selections next month.
Could the Browns make a first-round NFL Draft trade yet again?
ESPN's Tony Grossi isn't ruling it out, pitching the idea of Cleveland moving up from No. 24 (its second first-round pick) this spring.
Why? So the Browns could take Georgia Bulldogs tackle Monroe Freeling after selecting Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 6.
"I would love Freeling ... but not at 6," Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland. "... I would take Tate at 6 and I would maneuver with the 24th to move up and take Freeling."
The Browns certainly have no shortage of draft picks this year. They own picks in all seven rounds, and in addition to having a couple of first-rounders, they possess three picks in Round 5.
Cleveland definitely has the ammunition to move up to nab Freeling if it wanted to, and let's remember that the Browns can deal future picks, as well.
Monroe Freeling. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images.Freeling has rocketed up draft boards thanks to a brilliant showing at the Scouting Combine and is now viewed by some as the best tackle in a draft class that also includes Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa and Caleb Lomu.
However, Grossi clearly does not feel that Freeling is worth a top-10 selection, and there are some others who hold the same sentiment based on his late rise.
Originally, the general consensus was that Freeling would be a Day 2 pick, so sudden risers always carry a little bit of suspicion. Is Freeling really that good? Or is he just a workout warrior whose game won't translate quite as well to the pros?
Cleveland is in dire need of help along its offensive line, which was once a strength but has now turned into an abject disaster thanks to age and injuries. A tackle absolutely should be in consideration for one of its two first-round draft choices.
But is Freeling the answer?
We'll find out late next month once the Browns are on the clock ... twice.
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