The Cleveland Browns traded out of the No. 2 spot in the NFL Draft, but they can't stay out of the headlines with draft day fast approaching.
On Wednesday, speculation increased on what the Browns will do with their pick at No. 8. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Brownshave been having discussions with teams behind them that would want to come up for Ezekiel Elliott. The Ohio State product's complete game has inspired a lot of interest as the draft approaches, and there is no guarantee that he'll make it past Dallas at No. 4.
After a five-year period where running backs were undervalued in the draft, perhaps a trade up for a three-down foundation back will signal a return to normalcy at the position. It's unclear who exactly will be drafting players in Cleveland, but it's safe to say that VP of Football Operations Sashi Brown is orchestrating the trades. The Browns have a ton of needs, so all the extra picks gives him a better chance of finding worthwhile starters. Including a potential quarterback.
Alex Marvez of FOX believes the Browns are interested in trading down to eventually draft Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook. Other reports have suggested Paxton Lynch as a potential target. Brown, of course, is trying to downplay any quarterback interest.
"I look forward to the (current) competition and I don't feel a huge urge to get another young QB," Brown told ESPN's Josina Anderson on Wednesday.
With just one day to go before the NFL Draft, we'll be tracking all the latest buzz below. Check back often for updated nuggets as the day wears on:
- Rapoport reported that New York Jets defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson is likely to stay with the team. The Jets have fielded calls about Wilkerson, but it doesn't sound like they have received any legitimate offers. The Jets are content to keep their best defensive lineman for a year and probably wouldn't deal him unless they got a high pick in return. The Jets are a logical candidate to move up with Cleveland if the team truly believed Paxton Lynch was a franchise quarterback. (Then again, trading up for a quarterback is often fool's gold.)
- Rapoport's reporting about the expected fall of UCLA linebacker Myles Jack has been backed up by NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock.
"I'll be very surprised if he goes in the top 10," Mayock told Bob Glauber of Newsday.
- The Jets could be looking for weapons for their mystery starting quarterback, rather than competition. Rapoport reported that the Jetscould be targeting a wide receiver in the first round with TCU's Josh Doctson and Notre Dame's Will Fuller the names to watch.
- Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says that the team's pursuit of Josh Norman is no indicator of a need at cornerback. A better indicator: THE SAINTS SET A RECORD FOR PASSING TOUCHDOWNS ALLOWED.
Loomis also said that the team hasn't investigated potential quarterback options more than usual, which was less important than these words he used to start the press conference.
"You guys know my goal here is not to give you any information," Loomis said.
- Sam Bradford's absence from the Eagles facility this week has overshadowed the fact that Fletcher Cox is also skipping work in an effort for a new contract. The defensive lineman is probably the Eagles' best player on the entire roster.
- Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil told reporters it "hurt" when the Titanstraded the No. 1 overall pick because he was pretty sure he was going to be their pick.
- The closer we get to the draft, the more we are hearing about Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd. Rapoport believes Floyd could be heading inside the top ten, possibly taking Jack's spot with one team.
