The Cleveland Browns are making a bold strategic pivot, signalling a clear commitment to a future-focused approach by trading star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. This move is designed to aggressively build a war chest of draft capital, with the aim of revitalising the roster over the coming years and returning the team to contention.
General Manager Andrew Berry has demonstrated a penchant for accumulating draft picks, and this latest transaction is a testament to that philosophy. The Browns are now exceptionally well-positioned for the upcoming NFL Drafts, particularly in 2027, a year widely anticipated to be rich with talent, especially at the quarterback position.
The Myles Garrett Trade: A Detailed Breakdown
The cornerstone of the trade sees Myles Garrett heading to the Rams. In return, the Browns have secured a significant package headlined by promising pass rusher Jared Verse. Crucially, the deal also includes a substantial haul of draft picks spread across the next three NFL Draft cycles, providing Cleveland with multiple opportunities to inject new talent into their organisation.
Browns Acquire:
- Jared Verse (Pass Rusher)
- 2027 First-Round Pick
- 2028 Second-Round Pick
- 2029 Third-Round Pick
This acquisition of draft capital is not merely about quantity but also quality. The Browns have secured picks within the first two days of the draft for the next three years, including a coveted first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, which is shaping up to be a particularly strong draft class.
Cleveland’s Draft Capital: A Deep Dive
The Browns’ strategic accumulation of draft assets paints a picture of a franchise looking to build through the draft and develop its roster from within. Their draft position in the coming years is particularly noteworthy.
2027 NFL Draft
The Browns’ holdings for the 2027 NFL Draft are particularly impressive, showcasing their foresight and strategic planning.
- First-Round Pick (Own)
- First-Round Pick (via Rams)
- Second-Round Pick
- Third-Round Pick
- Fourth-Round Pick
- Fourth-Round Pick (via Giants)
- Fourth-Round Pick (via Seahawks)
- Fifth-Round Pick
- Fifth-Round Pick (via Texans)
- Seventh-Round Pick
- Seventh-Round Pick (via Texans)
With a total of 11 picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Browns now possess multiple first-round selections, a feat matched only by the New York Jets. While a significant portion of their picks fall on the third day of the draft (seven picks after the third round), the sheer volume of selections, especially the premium first-rounders, provides immense flexibility.
This abundance of capital positions the Browns perfectly for a draft class that is already generating significant buzz, particularly concerning its quarterback prospects. Names like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, and Darian Mensah are frequently mentioned as potential future stars, alongside highly-touted non-quarterbacks such as Jeremiah Smith, Colin Simmons, Dylan Stewart, and Leonard Moore.
Even if Cleveland’s own first-round pick doesn’t land in the top echelon, the additional first-round pick acquired from the Rams could be a valuable asset. It could be used to trade up for a desired prospect if the Browns exceed expectations this season, or conversely, provide an opportunity to secure a high-quality player late in the first round if they are rebuilding.
2028 NFL Draft
The Browns are getting an early start on the 2028 NFL Draft, with the second-round pick acquired from the Rams in the Garrett trade being a key addition.
- First-Round Pick
- Second-Round Pick
- Second-Round Pick (via Rams)
- Third-Round Pick
- Fourth-Round Pick
- Fifth-Round Pick
- Sixth-Round Pick
- Seventh-Round Pick (via Rams)
Cleveland currently holds all of its own picks within the first six rounds of the 2028 Draft. The addition of a second-round selection from the Rams makes them the first team to proactively trade for a pick within the top three rounds of this particular draft cycle, demonstrating their commitment to future planning.
2029 NFL Draft
This marks the first year that NFL teams are permitted to trade picks for the 2029 NFL Draft, and the Browns wasted no time in securing an additional asset.
- First-Round Pick
- Second-Round Pick
- Third-Round Pick
- Third-Round Pick (via Rams)
- Fourth-Round Pick
- Fifth-Round Pick
- Sixth-Round Pick
- Seventh-Round Pick
The acquisition of a third-round pick in 2029 underscores the Browns’ well-established reputation for stockpiling draft capital. By securing this pick so early, they are demonstrating a long-term vision that extends well beyond the immediate future, positioning themselves for sustained success. This strategic approach, while potentially leading to a period of rebuilding, offers the promise of a more competitive and sustainable future for the Cleveland Browns.
