Why prominent mock drafts pegging Abdul Carter to the Browns may be off base

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

Takeaways from the draft and free agent season …

1. Several Colorado draft prospects participated in the three-day Big 12 Conference “pro days” this week in the Dallas Cowboys’ renowned team headquarters in Frisco, TX. But quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy two-way star Travis Hunter were not among them. They will join other Buffalo teammates at a Colorado-only pro day April 4 in Boulder, CO. Colorado coach Deion Sanders is hoping to make it a big event televised on NFL Network. Shedeur did attend the Big 12 pro day and gave interviews but did not work out.

2. I would expect a full complement of Browns’ reps at the April 4 event, including GM Andrew Berry, head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. They already have hosted Sanders and Hunter at team HQ, and probably will schedule private workouts with both before the draft. Grouping the two Buffaloes stars together serves to strengthen the appearance of the Browns targeting Sanders with the No. 2 overall pick. I’m now of the belief, however, that the Browns have a much greater interest in taking Hunter with their first pick. In that scenario – which still is only one of several options at this point – the Browns would take their quarterback with the No. 33 overall pick. Taking a bona fide, dynamic offensive playmaker at No. 2 overall trumps taking a risky quarterback there.

3. If the above scenario is Browns Plan A, I would think they might be a bit dismayed by Jalen Milroe’s performance at the Alabama pro day on Wednesday. I say dismayed not because Milroe was disappointing. Rather, dismayed because he was so impressive. Everyone knew that Milroe would time fast; his 4.37 unofficial clocking in the 40 was not unexpected. But what will enhance his draft status was his accuracy in throwing the ball. Milroe reportedly completed 45 of 52 passes “on air” – against no defenders and pass rush. You can read what you want into a choreographed throwing session. But after a very erratic week at the Senior Bowl, teams were anxious to see Milroe improve over the course of the pre-draft process. And he has improved while continuing to work with private QB coach Jordan Palmer. Milroe has been high on the Browns’ radar since the end of the college football season. After the Senior Bowl, draftniks were laughing off Milroe as a Day 3 prospect (fourth round). Not anymore. If the Browns really want him, they should be in position to get him at No. 33. But if his private workouts with teams continue to impress, the Browns might have to sweat out Milroe sneaking into the first round. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin dined with Milroe the night before the workout.

4. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart, who has risen to QB3 in this draft, is expected to participate in Mississippi’s pro day on March 28. That is also the date of Penn State’s pro day, so it will be interesting to see how the Browns divide their staff to get up-close with Dart and Abdul Carter simultaneously. Dart has always been my QB2 behind Cam Ward and now he appears to be closing the gap even more on Sanders. Mel Kiper mocked Dart to New Orleans at No. 9 in his latest mock draft. Unless Dart has a setback, the only way the Browns could draft him would be at No. 2 (highly unlikely) or after a trade-down to a few spots. They would then have to weigh the merits of passing on Hunter or Carter in order to draft Dart + an extra draft pick, or two. At this point, a combination of Hunter-Milroe is much more realistic than Hunter-Dart.

5. Several prominent national analysts are now mocking Carter to the Browns at No. 2. Apparently, they think the Browns appeased Myles Garrett to make an about-face and agree to a contract extension by tipping him that Carter would be his new complement at defensive end. In truth, Garrett’s big problem with the Browns’ “vision” has always been with their offense, particularly quarterback, not the defense. I don’t think Garrett changed his mind because of anything he heard of the Browns’ plans. It was all about the $123 million in guarantees contained in the $160 million extension.

6. The Browns have stood back and watched 20 free agent quarterbacks sign new deals – 14 with new teams and six re-signed with their former teams. Although Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz and others are still unsigned, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns wait until after the draft to reassess any further additions to the quarterback room. Why? Why invest now in Wilson if there’s a chance Cam Ward becomes available, either in a trade-up to No. 1 or if Tennessee passes on Ward for Carter? Ward would likely be an immediate starter as a rookie. Investing in Wilson, who reportedly is looking for as much as $20 million per year, makes no sense if Ward is still obtainable. I wouldn’t expect the Browns to add another quarterback before the NFL owners meetings March 29-April 1 unless it is a backup-only candidate. The trade for Kenny Pickett, I’m believing, took the pressure off to sign a veteran starter.