In case you've been under a rock for the last week, the Washington Redskins completed a blockbuster deal that saw them get the second overall selection and into a position to take either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III (most probably the latter). They beat the Cleveland Browns to the prize, leaving them sat at four having to re-think their situation (Sorry Dan, I send my sincerest condolences). It's no secret the Browns aren't overly excited about the prospect of having Colt McCoy as their opening day starting quarterback in 2012.
Don’t Be Overly Surprised If Ryan Tannehill Is Taken Third Overall
They have plenty of options, however. They have both the fourth overall selection, as well as the 22nd pick, which the Falcons were kind enough to give up in the Julio Jones trade last year. At four, the Browns have the first look at any of the second tier guys. Ryan Tannehill leads that group in my opinion and while it's probably a reach at the fourth pick, I'm not so sure that he falls past the Seahawks at 12. In which case he might not be there for the Browns at 22 (where they could then take a guy like Brandon Weeden). The Browns best option, if they like Tannehill and believe he could be 'the guy' is to take him at four.
Now this could lead to the other quarterback needy teams that like Tannehill - The Dolphins, Seahawks and Chiefs come to mind - might want to attempt a trade with the Vikings to get above the Browns. The Vikings GM has openly admitted they are willing to trade out of the third pick. I doubt that any trade would come close to the Rams/Redskins deal, because that was essentially a trade for Robert Griffin III, rather than just to move up four spots. Any potential trade would be for Ryan Tannehill, who obviously isn't as good as Griffin III.
Ryan Tannehill could completely change the shape of the entire draft by going third overall by a team trading up above Cleveland at four. The Browns could easily float Matt Kalil as trade bait, or take him and have the best bookend tackles in the league. That would then leave the Rams as the happiest benefiter, as they would be guaranteed at least one of Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne falling to them. That would then allow guys like Riley Reiff and Michael Floyd to fall down a few picks, the ramifications could be endless.
Just a quick note, before you all hunt me down with pitchforks in the comments. I’m not endorsing this kind of move, and I’m not saying it will happen. But its a possibility, and might be worth a discussion. How likely do you think this kind of move is, and what impact would it have on the rest of the draft?
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