Tom Heckert came to Cleveland last year with the reputation as a draft ace. With two trades in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, that reputation is at stake.
According to Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, the Browns were targeting two players with the sixth pick. If they weren’t there, the Browns would seek a trade back.
It’s likely those two players were Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green and Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus. With both gone, Heckert was free to trade the sixth pick to Atlanta for five picks, including a first-round pick next year. The Browns could then trade up from pick No. 27 to No. 21 to take defensive lineman Phil Taylor.
While the first pick the Browns had in the draft this year are lower, they allow Heckert to shape the team in his vision. If Taylor and his extra picks don’t hit, Heckert will be the latest draft visionary to fail in Cleveland.
Draft trades will define Cleveland Browns, Tom Heckert
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