Browns Trading for Trent Williams Then Moving up to No. 3 to Select Isaiah Simmons is the Perfect Combo of Moves
By Jerry Trotta
After months of seesawing, the Cleveland Browns are reported to be nearing an agreement with the Washington Redskins that would send left tackle Trent Williams to Ohio.
For just two draft picks -- either a third- or fourth-round selection in 2020 and a second-rounder in 2021 -- this would be a tremendous deal for Cleveland, which has a cavernous hole on its offensive line.
However, the Browns shouldn't stop there. Trading up to nab versatile Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons in the NFL Draft would complete a perfect sequence of moves.
The following is a fringy, unconfirmed rumor, so take it FWIW. I'm told by a new source with a convincing connection to the #Browns that a trade for Trent Williams is "done," with #Redskins expected to receive a 3rd or 4th in 2020 and a 2nd in 2021.
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) April 23, 2020
If the Browns were to acquire Williams, their No. 10 overall pick would become highly expendable. The franchise was previously expected to use that pick to draft a stud OL. With the seven-time Pro Bowler, that would no longer be necessary.
The Detroit Lions are reported to be shopping the No. 3 overall pick. Cleveland coughing up that first-rounder along with its second-round (No. 41 overall) selection might be enough to strike a deal. They can always throw in a seventh-rounder too.
The Browns have a pressing need at linebacker following the departures of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey in free agency. The great thing about Simmons is that he's your classic jack of all trades, master of none. That description might even undersell his value.
#Clemson football player Isaiah Simmons to @NFLNetwork: "You only get 53 on a roster. I feel like if you draft me, you get 56.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2020
One of the biggest wild cards of the draft.
The 21-year-old stud simply plays defense at an elite level. Whether it's at linebacker, safety, defensive line, and even cornerback, Simmons can contribute at all levels of the field.
He wouldn't solve all of Cleveland's problem at defense, but his sheer athleticism -- he posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 132-inch broad jump, and a 39-inch vertical at the NFL Combine -- would serve as a significant boost.
If the Browns make a move for Simmons, we can start taking them serious as a playoff contender.