It seems the big free agent contract handed to Josh McCown and the recent successful rehab stint for Johnny Manziel - which was followed by a contrite, well-written statement from whatever public relations rep was around that day - won't keep the Cleveland Browns from attempting to move up in the 2015 NFL Draft in order to select Marcus Mariota.
According to the latest report, the Browns are currently the clear leaders to land the former Oregon signal-caller and Heisman Trophy-winner.
"From all accounts I'm hearing the Cleveland Browns are the front runners and working hardest in the hopes of acquiring the quarterback," reports Tony Pauline of Draft Insider. "Early last week I was told the asking price from the Tennessee Titans was both of the Browns first round picks as well as their choice in the second round, to which Cleveland replied no. Understandable Tennessee would have a high asking price at this point and even more understandable the Browns would say no. I'm told the Browns may be willing to part with both first round picks for Mariota but want to hold on to the second round choice to draft a much needed receiver."
As Pauline notes, it's quite understandable the team wouldn't want to give up three top-50 picks in the 2015 NFL Draft, especially considering they have other dire needs, like at wide receiver.
That being said, if the Browns brass - ie; owner Jimmy Haslam - have determined that Marcus Mariota is a future franchise signal-caller and the type of player who can operate as the face of the organization and keep the Browns in the playoff hunt year in and year out for the next decade and possibly beyond, then there's really no price not worth paying.
According to the old NFL draft trade value chart, the Browns two first-round picks - No.'s 12 and 19 - are worth approximately 1,200 and 875 points, respectively.
The No. 2-overall pick is worth approximately 2,600 points.
While the chart is mostly outdated and each draft involves trades that in no way, shape or form line up with its suggested valuation, there seems to be a pretty big discrepancy between the Browns' offered assets and the Titans pick.
There's also the RGIII factor to consider - Mariota is widely viewed as the only other highly-probable franchise quarterback in the 2015 NFL Draft, much like Robert Griffin III was in the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Titans know that fact and will exploit it.
While it may not land them the same haul the St. Louis Rams got from the silly, silly Washington Redskins for Griffin, it will certainly bring in quite the bundle of assets should they, in fact, choose to trade out of that spot, whether it be from the Browns, Eagles, Chargers or any other NFL team.
If the Browns are serious about landing Mariota, overpaying may be the only way to ensure he's their man on draft night.
