Cleveland Browns face major NFL Draft embarrassment after crucial trade decision

22 March 2023 , 22:59

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Elijah Moore has joined the Cleveland Browns from the New York Jets

The Cleveland Browns have traded highly-rated Elijah Moore from the New York Jets, but it's come at a cost in terms of Draft capital.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, a second-round pick has gone to the Jets in exchange for Moore which limits their options in the 2023 Draft even further. The Browns already gave up their first-round pick in the upcoming Draft for quarterback DeShaun Watson, and now they have no picks in the opening two rounds.

The Browns only have eight total picks between rounds three and seven, and although they're looking to field a stacked roster, it could be a gamble further down the line. But Moore is seen as a potential future star, and head coach Kevin Stefanski clearly sees the 22-year-old as no-brainer for the Browns.

Changes have been plenty at the Browns over the past few seasons, but now they're heading into 2023 with their star quarterback and multiple options around him. Nick Chubb dominated at running-back last season, and the addition of Amari Cooper gave the team a real lift.

With Moore seen as a star for the future, their offense could be one to watch for next season - especially with tight-end David Njoku having a positive 2022 campaign. But the trade marks the second consecutive off-season that the Browns have swapped draft picks with a team to land a playmaker.

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The Browns pulled the same trick before the start of last season as they acquired Cooper from the Cowboys. This trade carried less risk, as they sent a 2022 fifth-round pick while swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.

Amari Cooper has starred since joining the Browns

Cooper scored nine touchdowns for the Browns last season, and it was a deal that paid off. But lightning doesn't always strike twice, although the deal to bring in Moore is a cheaper one as far as base salary is concerned.

It seems to be a good deal all round, as the Jets have brought in Mecole Hardman and allowed Moore to leave, which only helps the franchise create space for Aaron Rodgers. The Browns also have a talented receiver, who could be seen as the equivalent of a second-round pick anyway - as he was back in 2021.

Of course, every situation is hypothetical, and on paper it looks like the Browns could be a real force next season with the offense that they're building. But if it doesn't go to plan, they've sacrificed a lot of potential new talent that could blossom in the future.

Joseph McBride