The Cleveland Browns have a lot of options at their disposal while holding the No. 1 and No. 12 picks. Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garrett is viewed as the consensus No. 1 pick, but there has been extensive talk about Cleveland’s interest in North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. So much so that rumors have the Browns looking to move up from No. 12 to ensure they can land him.
NFL Network reporter Mike Silver had an intriguing report earlier today that sheds some light on the situation, but also had some curious language.
@MikeSilver on NFLN #NFLDraft2017 pic.twitter.com/EBswPrNQvw
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If you can’t watch the video, Silver reports that the Browns have contacted “at least three teams in the top eight” about a possible trade. Silver said it would happen in real time during the draft when the teams are on the clock. At this point, he offered this line: “Obviously, if the target is Mitchell Trubisky and he goes earlier than expected, then those discussions would be moot.”
Given that the 49ers have the No. 2 pick, this line would suggest that the 49ers are not one of the “at least three teams” Silver mentioned. The Browns are the only team ahead of them, so Trubisky would not be able to go “earlier than expected” if the Browns were talking to the 49ers.
That doesn’t mean the 49ers have not been in contact with the the Browns. They could be in contact and nobody is telling Silver. John Lynch said on Monday that the team has been contacted by teams looking to move up. It would not surprise me at all if the Browns are one of those teams, but in terms of this latest report, it would seem to not include them.
So, to sum up, the 49ers may or may not have been contacted by the Browns. You’re welcome.