Browns Find Wealth In Trading Out Of Pick 6

Before the NFL draft last weekend, our very own Mike Rodriguez wrote an article about the history of the unlucky 6th overall pick in the NFL. It was an interesting look at some of the big names who have been taken with the 6th pick in the NFL Draft that haven’t exactly worked out over the last 9 years.

This pre-draft NFL ghost story didn’t faze Browns fans, but it might now scare the odd Falcon fan.

The Cleveland Browns traded out of the sixth overall pick in the first round, gaining five picks from Atlanta: a 2011 1st round choice (27th), a 2nd round pick and a 4th rounder this year, as well as 1st- and 4th-round choices in 2012. Using the “NFL trade-chart” one can see that the deal, at least in numbers, favored the Browns.

[doc] Trade Chart Value
Cleveland’s #6 pick = 1600 points
Atlanta’s picks (27, 59 and 123) = 1039 points
Atlanta’s picks next year assuming they pick in the same spot = 729 points
Cleveland gave up 1600 points to gain 1768.
[/doc]

“It was absolutely the right thing to do for our team at this particular time,” Holmgren said at Saturday’s wrap-up press conference. “The trade was kind of an amazing trade when you count it up. Next year we’ve got a one and a four and it’s what we needed.”

The move backward in the 2011 draft allowed the Browns many luxury picks. In fact, one extra pick that may be seen as a comparison player to the Falcons “Bet the Farm” move up for Julio Jones is North Carolina receiver Greg Little.

Character issues aside, WR Greg Little lacks the speed that many Cleveland Browns fans were looking for in a wide receiver in this draft. This isn’t a guy breaking away from the more speedy CBs in the NFL, still Little does have both the size and athleticism to go up and over any pass defender in the league. Despite missing the entire 2010 college football season, Little was considered to be a top prospect. ESPN’s Mel Kiper stated that Little would have been a first round pick had Little played during the 2010 college football season.

The Falcon’s will always be under the microscope for this blockbuster deal. Did they give up too much? Probably. But if Atlanta wins a Super Bowl, no one will care.

I for one love the comparisons and will always pair Greg Little to the Falcons Julio Jones.