:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54205313/622239278.0.jpg)
Take a look at just about any 2017 NFL mock draft and you’ll see the Cleveland Browns drafting pass rusher Myles Garrett at No. 1. It seems like an obvious pick at this point. But not so fast! According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Browns might select Mitch “Please call me Mitchell instead” Trubisky with their top 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
Cleveland has not made up its mind at No. 1, per source. Split opinions. Some like Myles Garrett, some like Mitchell Trubisky. We will see.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2017
Of course, you always have to take rumors like this with a grain of salt. Though there might be some truth in them, there’s often a hidden agenda as well. Maybe the Browns, who love stockpiling draft picks, are trying to trick some team into trading for the No. 1 overall selection.
But for the sake of this post, let’s assume there’s some truth to the rumor. If that’s the case, and the Browns really select a quarterback at No. 1 overall, that would be fantastic news for the Eagles. There are multiple reasons why that’s the case.
First is that the more quarterbacks that go off the board before the Eagles’ pick at No. 14, the better. The Eagles obviously won’t be drafting a passer in the first round after selecting Carson Wentz last year. So when other teams take quarterbacks ahead of the Eagles, that only means better non-quarterback prospects are getting pushed down closer to Philadelphia’s range. It’s not like the Eagles will end up with Garrett, but maybe the Browns taking a quarterback causes Solomon Thomas to fall a little lower than expected. Or Marshon Lattimore. Who knows for sure, but my point is a domino effect could happen.
The Browns taking a quarterback at No. 1 could also start a run on quarterbacks in this draft class earlier than some currently anticipate. Teams aren’t going to be able to wait around and get their guy later on. Maybe the 49ers at No. 2 and/or the Bears at No. 3 pull the trigger. The Jets at No. 6 and the Cardinals at No. 13 are also teams to watch.
And even if the Browns don’t draft a passer at No. 1, some teams might be scared they’ll try to get one with their second first round pick (from the Eagles) at No. 12. So that could force teams into trading up ahead of Philadelphia for a passer.
For the Eagles’ sake, let’s hope there’s truth to what Schefter is hearing. C’mon, Browns. Forget about Garrett, pick Trubisky!