#HeyTony: What could the Browns receive in a double trade-down to No. 3 and then No. 6?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

Hey Tony: If we were somehow able to trade back twice, to 3 then to 6, could we somehow get 2x 2s this year and 2x 1s next year?

-- Bryan, Deerfield, IL

Hey Bryan: According to the commonly used Trade Value Chart, a trade from No. 2 to No. 3 would be equivalent to 400 points, which might translate to a mid-second pick, or a combination of third- and fourth-round picks. Going down from No. 3 to No. 6 would bring 600 points, which might be a high second-round pick. These are merely guidelines. The Browns could demand a future No. 1 for either trade, but it’s doubtful the Giants or Raiders would comply.

Hey Tony: With impact RB’s have had this year in NFL, who are your top 2 RB’s in draft and how early do you think they’ll select one (assuming they will)?  Unfortunately, Nick Chubb’s best days are probably behind him now thanks to Minkah Fitzpatrick.

-- David, Fargo, OH

Hey David: I’ve heard draft experts say running back is extremely deep this year, with as many as 30 expected to be drafted. Myself, I’d be fine with either of the OSU running backs at the top of the third round, whichever is left.

Hey Tony: Is there a realistic veteran QB that could bridge and allow for a later QB draft pick (e.g. Will Howard), and the drafting of the best available player at #2? And is it the consensus that Travis Hunter is the best available player?

-- Aaron, Toledo, OH

Hey Aaron: Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones, Joe Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo? The bigger question to me is: Can you absolutely count on Will Howard being a starting and winning NFL quarterback by the 2027 season? Whomever the Browns draft at QB has to be THE GUY by 2027. As for the draft’s best player, the consensus is Hunter, though there is some momentum for Abdul Carter of Penn State.

Hey Tony: Almost as important as who will play quarterback, who will play left tackle?

-- Joe, Camden, OH

Hey Joe: Before he suffered a fractured fibula, the Browns were counting on Dawand Jones as their left tackle of the future. But can he shake off a second season-ending injury in two years and stay healthy in 2025 and beyond? If not, they must consider drafting one no later than the third round, or signing one in free agency.

Hey Tony: The Browns’ primary starting QB in 2025 is currently: A. In the draft, B. On another team, C. On the Browns?

-- Steve, Mayfield, OH

Hey Steve: The answer is A. or B. or a combination of both.

Hey Tony: Does Kevin Stefanski have enough authority right now to bring back Joe Flacco for next season?

-- Tony, Tucson, AZ

Hey Tony: Most every decision on a quarterback acquisition in the past five years has been made by GM Andrew Berry, with some input from others, including Stefanski. I don’t think that process has changed.

Hey Tony: If the Browns offense is going to be Kevin Stefanski calling the plays from his offense, what's the practical role of Tommy Rees?

-- Ryan, Ashtabula, OH

Hey Ryan: The offensive coordinator leads the offensive meetings during the week and contributes to the game plan in collaboration with Stefanski and other offensive position coaches. On game days, the coordinator is connected with Stefanski via headset and collaborates on some decisions. That’s the way Stefanski has managed his offensive staff through five seasons.

Hey Tony: Can you explain the mechanics of how we might recoup a year of Deshaun Watson’s salary against our salary cap? Did the Browns purchase some type of salary cap insurance if he misses a full year, what if Watson demands to play but we say no, etc.?

-- AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: According to multiple reports, the Browns took out $44 million in insurance to protect themselves in 2025 in case of an injury to Watson. The way I understand it, if Watson does not play in 2025 because of injury, the Browns would receive a $44 million credit on their salary cap in 2026. Watson would still be paid his $46 million scheduled salary.

Hey Tony: Any interest in getting Cooper Rush in FA?

-- Mike, Wooster, OH

Hey Mike: Sure, add him to the free agent wish list.

Hey Tony: Will Jerome Ford be our #1 back in ‘25?

-- Dave, Fairlawn, OH

Hey Dave: I think Ford enters the 2025 offseason as the No. 1 back. I think he could possibly share the No. 1 role with a drafted rookie and Chubb, if he returns with a new contract. Kind of a back-by-committee approach.

Hey Tony: What is the draft outlook at DT this year? Would you say that is the most needed position after QB this year?

-- Jay, LaGrange, OH

Hey Jay: For two years I have been saying the No. 1 need on the Browns’ defense is a penetrating defensive tackle to pressure the quarterback. This is more impactful, in my opinion, than a complementary edge rusher to Myles Garrett. The best D-tackle in the draft is Mason Graham of Michigan. Other DTs expected to go in the first two rounds are Derrick Harmon of Oregon, Tyleik Williams of Ohio State, Kenneth Grant of Michigan, Walter Nolen of Mississippi, Deone Walker of Kentucky, and Alfred Collins of Texas. That’s a decent selection. But the draft is far more loaded with so-called edge rushers. As many as 14 are projected in the first two rounds, with Abdul Carter of Penn State being No. 1.

Hey Tony: Is there any information out there about the extent of Nick Chubb’s broken foot? Is it a simple fracture that could heal fairly quickly or the more serious compound fracture?

-- Terry, Sarasota, FL

Hey Terry: The Browns have not given an update on Chubb’s injury. At the time of the injury, they indicated that, while season-ending, the injury shouldn’t impede Chubb’s 2025 season.

Hey Tony: What is it going to take to end the #100YearsWar?

-- Andy, Bloomington, IL

Hey Andy: According to the Geneva Convention, the #100YearsWar will officially be declared over when the Browns appear in their first Super Bowl. The Browns last won the NFL title in 1964. So we’re on a 61-year drought. Keep in mind, the original Hundred Years War in the 14^th and 15^th centuries actually lasted 116 years.

Hey Tony: Did you wonder what was said in the pre-game conversation between Kareem Hunt & Amari Cooper?

-- Jeff, Medina, OH

Hey Jeff: Probably something like: “Wonder what those mopes in Cleveland are doing today?” Or maybe, “There’s no place we’d rather be than right here, right now.”

Hey Tony: Best red wine under & best red wine over $20. My sources say Freakshow is a heavy favorite.

-- Mark, Silicon Valley, CA

Hey Mark: Freakshow is my favorite cab under $20. A little pricier fave is the Bread and Butter Reserve cab.