The Browns traded out of Rounds Four and Five on Saturday, each time picking up a selection in an earlier round in the 2014 NFL Draft.
First, the Browns dealt pick No. 111 to Pittsburgh for the Steelers’ third-round pick in 2014. The Steelers used selection No. 111 on Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas.
Then, in Round Five, the Browns traded out of selection No. 139, sending it to Indianapolis for a 2014 fourth-round selection. The Colts used what was Cleveland’s pick on Tennessee-Martin defensive tackle Montori Hughes.
With numerous roster needs, the Browns’ decision to deal out of picks is very interesting. It could be that the Browns feel more compelled to take their chances in the middle rounds of 2014 than in this draft. Also, it may have been hard to resist getting higher picks next year from a value perspective. The extra picks next year also give the Browns a little flexibility to trade for veteran talent if they so choose.
The Browns have three remaining 2013 selections: No. 175 in Round Six and Nos. 217 and 227 in Round Seven.