NFL Draft Trade Buzz: Should the Browns Really Move Off No. 6?
It wouldn’t be draft season without a little chaos, and a new trade proposal making waves out of Dallas is turning heads for all the right-and wrong-reasons.
The scenario? The Cleveland Browns send their No. 6 overall pick and a second-rounder (No. 39) to the Cowboys.
In return, Cleveland gets both of Dallas’ first-rounders-No. 12 and No. 20.
Add that to the 24th overall pick Cleveland already holds via Jacksonville, and suddenly the Browns are sitting on a rare trio of first-round selections.
On the surface, it’s the kind of deal that fits the personality of both front offices. Jerry Jones has never shied away from a splash, and if the Cowboys are truly eyeing Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, jumping up from 12 to 6 might be the only way to land him. Meanwhile, Browns GM Andrew Berry has a well-documented love for stacking picks and playing the long game with roster construction.
And let’s not forget-Berry has gotten the better of Dallas before. Back in 2022, he pulled off a heist, landing Amari Cooper for a fifth-rounder. Cooper went on to become the Browns’ top receiver, while the Cowboys were left answering questions.
But here’s the thing: just because Berry has outmaneuvered Dallas once doesn’t mean this is the time to roll the dice again.
Yes, three first-round picks look great on paper. It’s the kind of draft capital that gives you flexibility and depth. But in this case, the Browns don’t need more darts to throw-they need a bullseye.
At No. 6, Cleveland is in prime position to grab a blue-chip talent.
Whether it’s a top-tier wide receiver or a cornerstone offensive lineman, they’re in striking distance of a true difference-maker. Slide back to No. 12, and suddenly you’re picking from the second tier-hoping your scouting department finds the gem in a pile of good-not-great options.
That’s a risky game for a team trying to break through in the rugged AFC North. The Ravens and Bengals aren’t slowing down anytime soon, and the Steelers are always lurking. If the Browns want to take that next step, they need stars, not just starters.
This isn’t about hoarding picks. It’s about maximizing value. And sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make.
Berry has built a reputation as a sharp, forward-thinking GM. But this is one of those moments where the smart play is also the simple one: stay at six, trust your board, and take the best player available.
No need to get fancy. Just get it right.