Browns could flunk the draft by trading up for Mitchell Trubisky

The Browns are in a fantastic position heading into this draft. They have 11 picks to work with, including the first and 12th overall selections. The only way this could go wrong for Cleveland is if they make reckless decisions on draft day, like trading up from No. 12 to reach for a quarterback.

And that’s exactly what the Browns are considering, according to one report. The Browns are exploring the possibility of trading up from No. 12, and the quarterback Cleveland is targeting is UNC’s Mitchell Trubisky, per NFL Network’s Mike Silver.

Rumors emerged Monday that the 49ers are considering taking Trubisky with the second overall pick, which seems like a smokescreen as opposed to a real possibility. But that talk may be enough to spur the Browns to action if Trubisky is the quarterback Cleveland has its heart set on in this draft.

It could work out for the Browns, depending on how much they have to give up to move up a few picks. But Cleveland has a lot of needs, and Trubisky has just one college season as a starter under his belt. He’s far from a sure thing.

As long as the Browns take pass rusher Myles Garrett first overall, they’ll at least strengthen that side of the ball with a player who does appear to be one of the safer bets in this draft class. Still, the Browns aren’t settled on that decision, either.

The Browns need to get this draft right, and they can’t afford to squander one — or both — first-round picks. Cleveland shouldn’t overthink this. Take Garrett first overall, don’t reach for a quarterback, and give the Browns a chance to bounce back from last year’s 1-15 finish.