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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: What are the odds the Browns trade pick proposal gets approved, they trade five first round picks for Arch Manning next year, and he ends up being mediocre?
-- Jon, Indianapolis, IN
Hey Jon: FWIW, I’ve been told the Browns’ proposal has nothing to do with any Browns’ future acquisition in mind. But I agree, it’s impossible not to draw the conclusion that it was concocted as part of an elaborate attempt to go all out to acquire Manning. With your scenario in mind, I would hope the proposal gets shot down to save the Browns from yet another monumental blunder.
Hey Tony: Do you really think the QB choice will come down to Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson?
-- Tom, Sumter, SC
Hey Tom: I honestly do. I don’t believe there is a quarterback surprise in store. They let the QB room play out in 2026, and go from there.
Hey Tony: Is Dillon Gabriel eligible for the practice squad this season? If so, would that be the ideal destination if they’re going with Sanders and Watson as No. 1 and No. 2 and do you think a team would sign him to their active roster?
-- Dustin, Columbus OH
Hey Dustin: Yes, Gabriel is eligible for the practice squad. But I don’t see Andrew Berry risking losing him via waivers. Berry has said he believes Gabriel has a bright future in the NFL. The perception that Gabriel’s only advocate in the building was Kevin Stefanski is off base. I believe all along that Berry was Gabriel’s biggest advocate.
Hey Tony: Is moving Dawand Jones to guard and letting Elgton Jenkins play center something they might be thinking about?
-- Jason, Buffalo, NY
Hey Jason: Those are options. I’m not quite sure what the final starting five looks like. And I don’t think they know at this point.
Hey Tony: Do you think Paul DePodesta had less influence on the 2025 draft than in years past, and that could be a big reason he left the Browns?
-- Randy, Port Orange, FL
Hey Randy: I have heard that he did have less influence. I think his influence overall was waning, and he had gone as far as he could working remotely in an NFL organization. And he needed another challenge. That’s why he decided to return to his first love, MLB.
Hey Tony: Did Kevin Stefanski lose a secret internal power struggle to Andrew Berry after "Moneyball" left for the Rockies?
-- Tony, Tucson, AZ
Hey Tony: I wouldn’t call it a power struggle. I would say a power vacuum was filled by Berry. Stefanski didn’t want anything to do with power. All he wanted was to coach.
Hey Tony: Will the Browns be better prepared to start the season this year? Under Kevin we never seemed to be ready until we dug ourselves a hole.
-- Rusty, Sanford NC
Hey Rusty: Todd Monken’s approach to training camp and the preseason will be a topic of much discussion in the coming months. I never agreed with Stefanski’s approach. They need more urgency to get ready for the season, agreed.
Hey Tony: Will the Browns trade for a WR before draft?
-- Chris, Akron, OH
Hey Chris: If not before, then after.
Hey Tony: In your lengthy career covering the Browns, which draft class impressed you the most after just their rookie year?
-- John, Ashtabula, OH
Hey John: There haven’t been many. I’d have to say the 2025 class is right up there. Honestly, I can’t think of another that compares after one season.
Hey Tony: With Jerome Ford’s departure, and Judkins coming back from injury, looking to add to RB position?
-- Dave, Fairlawn, OH
Hey Dave: Judkins and Dylan Sampson will be RB1 and RB2, barring something unforeseen. A RB3 will be added, of course. There’s Rocket Sanders, too.
Hey Tony: What's your favorite OU player that played for the Browns?
-- Henry, Athens, OH
Hey Henry: Got to be Dave Zastudil.