How would a trade for Trent Williams affect the Browns’ draft?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.

Hey Tony: Would a Trent Williams addition still have Browns drafting a LT in 1st round?

-- Chad, Erie, PA

Hey Chad: This, to me, is the only scenario in which the Browns DON’T draft a left tackle in the first round. As long as Williams is available, I wouldn’t count it out. Then the question becomes: What do the Browns do at No. 10 if not a tackle? My first thought is they would trade down and pick a linebacker or free safety, depending on how far down they drop.

Hey Tony: Would the Browns benefit more by bringing back Kareem Hunt or having a 2nd round pick?

-- Steve, Berea, OH

Hey Steve: I can’t imagine any team giving up a second-round pick and signing Hunt to an offer sheet. Actually, I can’t imagine any team giving up a third-round pick because of Hunt’s past transgressions, which is why I was surprised the Browns gave Hunt the second-round tender. As long as Hunt stays “eligible,” I’d rather keep him another year. I’m fascinated to see how Kevin Stefanski creatively uses Hunt and Nick Chubb together.

Hey Tony: Why not re-sign Damarious Randall? He is better than any safety they have.

-- Roger, Bath, OH

Hey Roger: I don’t know Randall’s contract demands, but I would guess they are much higher than what the Browns think he is worth. If they wouldn’t re-invest in Joe Schobert, I don’t think they’d re-invest in Randall.

Hey Tony: How would you rate the job the Browns new front office has done so far in free agency?

-- Gavin D, San Francisco, CA

Hey Gavin: On the signings of Jack Conklin, Austin Hooper and Case Keenum, I would give an A-minus. On everything else, a C. Altogether, that averages to a B or B-minus – better than average.

Hey Tony: When’s the uniform announcement coming?

-- Tom, Cary, NC

Hey Tom: I checked with a club source. Plans are still alive to introduce the uniforms prior to the draft. No details on when and how, however.

Hey Tony: If Jadeveon Clowney could be had on a short-term deal for say 2yr @ $18m per, why wouldn’t the Browns be interested in signing him and cutting Olivier Vernon? He’s obviously an upgrade. You could probably even trade him next year if you didn’t want to eat up your cap.

-- Rob, Columbus, OH

Hey Rob: If Clowney were spotless, I’d agree with you. However, his recent injury history, his recent drop-off in pass rush consistency, and his reported contract demands cause me to hesitate.

Hey Tony: What is the biggest difference in approach between old regime and new one. Why is this one better?

-- John, Irvine, CA

Hey John: At the risk of oversimplification, the old regime was a close-knit group of old-school football scouts set in their ways, reliant on experience and instincts honed over many years to make player evaluations, and skeptical – if not mistrustful – of the new wave of younger, “non-football” types basing decisions on SPARQ scores and other analytics metrics. Which approach is better? We shall find out, right?

Hey Tony: Do you think Rashard Higgins will be back? Think Antonio Callaway or Josh Gordon will play in NFL in 2020?

-- Dave, Akron, OH

Hey Dave: I don’t think Higgins will be back. I’d love to see him signed by Tampa Bay to be Tom Brady’s slot receiver. I don’t think Callaway will play in the NFL in 2020. Gordon, on the other hand, has more lives than a cat and I wouldn’t be surprised if he resurfaces.

Hey Tony: Appears Kevin Stefanski got his guy in Case Keenum. Will Keenum start this year? Will Baker Mayfield play great like his first year or below par like year two?

-- Joshua, Plain City, OH

Hey Joshua: The only ways Keenum will start is if a. Mayfield misses games through injury, or b. Mayfield is ineffective. I honestly think Mayfield will have a bounce-back year under Stefanski and Alex Van Pelt. The offensive system they’ll implement is the best possible scheme for Mayfield, and the Browns are well on the way to adding the important pieces he sorely needed (two offensive tackles, dependable tight end, fullback).

Hey Tony: Do you think Browns will take a chance on Olivier Vernon and hope he stays healthy to complement 95?

-- Jeff, Hudson, OH

Hey Jeff: The Browns will keep Vernon until they find a better (and cheaper) replacement. Besides, analytics Websites make the case that Vernon had a great year before his injury.

Hey Tony: Is the plan when it comes to linebacker to spend in front and behind them, and develop the LB’s? Do you see us taking any in the draft? I’m loving Troy Dye (Oregon) and Malik Harrison (Ohio State), if so. Going to have to pay the two rushers and corners starting next year.

-- Tod, Atlanta, GA

Hey Tod: You nailed it.