Justin Blackmon is a fit for the Cleveland Browns. The Oklahoma State wideout is a big, physical pass-catcher who creates problems all over the field. In Cleveland, they could use a little bit of that.
Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported Monday the Browns are split between selecting Blackmon and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill with their No. 4 pick in the NFL draft. Not illogical targets, but are we wading into a classic smokescreen?
That question was posed by Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, who believes the Browns could be drumming up the Blackmon speculation to get under the skin of the Rams. Picking at No. 6, the Rams are high on Blackmon, who would provide Sam Bradford with a legitimate downfield threat for years to come.
ATL's take:Browns general manager Tom Heckert has shown no fear of wheeling and dealing come draft day. Cleveland didn't shy away from orchestrating a major trade with the Falcons last year and Heckert acknowledged the team will field offers until the end. In this case, smokescreens and cryptic messages make sense.
I'd be surprised if the Browns pass on Trent Richardson at No. 4, considering the strength of the wide receiver class, which could see Stephen Hill or Kendall Wright fall to the Browns at No. 22 (a pick netted in the Atlanta trade).
These are the days of smokescreens and enigma -- expect nothing less.