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You know what time of year it is? That’s right, it’s Cleveland Browns season. Leading up to the draft is typically when they hold all the cards and dominate the headlines, and it’s never been more true than in 2018.
That’s mainly due to them holding the first and fourth overall pick this year; a byproduct of their trade with the Houston Texans that has further opened up speculation they may opt for just about any of the top players at the first pick, their second, or both. General manager John Dorsey did nothing to put that speculation to rest at his pre-draft press conference:
#Browns John Dorsey still open to 'all options' at No. 1, including a trade down or Saquon Barkley https://t.co/dRMknoxaJY
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 19, 2018
This isn’t necessarily shocking, but there are certain drafts when the number one pick is already signed, sealed, and delivered, even if the organization making it won’t admit that. The Browns would be wise to keep their options open this year. While they seemingly always exude promise around draft time, it’s important to remember this was a winless franchise in 2017 and has only a single win over the past two calendar years.
As such, what happens in next weeks’ draft could greatly affect their fortunes moving forward. Baltimore and the rest of the AFC North are turning their eyes toward Cleveland once again as the end of April approaches.