Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve changed my mind on Saquon Barkley, and I think the Cleveland Browns have to take him first overall.
I’m still very much against the idea of drafting running backs first overall, but this is a bit of a different situation. The Browns also hold the fourth pick in the draft, which gives them a ton of leverage and power here.
Barkley isn’t slipping to fourth overall. It’s not going to happen. He’s going in the top three. So, I think the Browns have to draft him first overall, then scoop up a quarterback at four.
At least two players from the group of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen will be available at the fourth overall pick. Grab Barkley and then get your franchise quarterback.
Is there really a talent gap between the quarterbacks that would justify taking one over the others with the first pick? I really don’t think so.
I have no problem admitting when I’m wrong, and I was wrong to say the Browns shouldn’t take Barkley first overall just because he’s a running back. The fourth overall pick gives them the power to get a star quarterback only a few picks later. So, I was wrong with my initial analyzes. They need to take Barkley first overall. It’s the only option at this point. Props to me for being man enough to admit when I screwed up.