Browns Blog

Sly fox

Trades have left the Browns with no picks in the first three rounds. The first day of the draft will include two rounds, which means Savage can sit back, relax and watch the proceedings.

It will be unlike last year, when the Browns were the biggest newsmakers on day one. After selecting Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall choice, Savage aggressively traded away this year's number one for the Dallas Cowboys' choice at the 22nd spot of the first round. The move allowed Savage to draft Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.

The thought of Savage kicking up his feet in a comfortable chair and not being active during the draft might be a bit out of line. Savage doesn't have much leverage in making a trade that would get him a second- or third-round pcik, but there's always next year's draft.

The Browns have a full load of picks in 2009. What's to say that Savage won't dangle a high pick next year for a better draft spot this year?

It's unlikely that Savage will go a second straight year without a number one, but he might be willing to give up a second-round choice to move up this year. As Savage has proven, he's willing to gamble as long as owner Randy Lerner is on board.

The key in Savage's gameplan has been the change in organizational expectations. Last year at this time the Browns were coming off a 3-13 season and considered the worst team in the NFL. This year, fresh off a 10-6 season, the Browns could be considered the favorite to win the AFC North title in 2008.

Savage obviously had that thought on his mind when he made trades for defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. The lucrative contracts both players received are further indications that the Browns are serious about becoming a perennial playoff contender.

For now, it doesn't appear that the Browns wll make much noise in the draft. But don't be surprised if Savage doesn't stir the waters a bit.

Savage is never comfortable sitting idly.