Browns Trade Down, Bengals Grab Top Safety

0:00On March 16, Cleveland Brown's fans might want to look away from this latest mock draft at a fan-sided by Cody Williams. It shows the team trading down from the 6 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, they get the 9th pick, the 40th pick this year, and a couple of 6th rounders in 2027. This move lets top prospects like Ohio State wide receiver carnaltate and Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love slip past them. Earlier this week, Williams projected the chiefs jumping up to grab Ed rusher Rubin Bain from Miami at 6. Then the New Orleans Saints snagged 8 at 8, adding another buck eye to their receiver room after guys like Chris Olave and Michael Thomas. Brown supporters are cringing because their divisional foes, the Cincinnati Bengals, end up with star safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State at 10. Many see Downs as the best player in the entire draft, and he's just the kind of defensive talent Cincinnati has needed for years, especially in the secondary.

1:00Instead, at 9, Cleveland goes for Georgia left tackle Monroe Freeling to bolster their line. The team already signed guard Zion Johnson and center Elton Jenkins in free agency, and traded for right tackle Titus Howard from Houston. Freeling is promising, but still raw, and might need time to develop. While strengthening the offensive line makes sense for long-term success, watching Downs suit up twice a year against the Browns could sting for fans, in this heated rivalry.