BEREA, Ohio — When the Browns make their first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft next Thursday, things will feel somewhat unusual.
And that's not just because the draft is being held in Cleveland.
Barring any moves beforehand, the Browns will have to wait for 25 other picks to be made before finally turning in their card. That's the price of success. And Browns general manager Andrew Berry is just fine with that scenario.
"I like where we're picking," Berry told reporters during his pre-draft Zoom conference with reporters on Friday. "I think there are plenty of opportunities where we can add young players that can grow with us over the next several years."
Could the Browns do some wheeling and dealing during the draft? Berry thinks that's entirely possible.
"The positioning in this draft allow us to be very flexible, whether that's moving up, down, or sitting and picking it. Largely that will be dictated on how the board falls ahead of us, but I think we have a lot of flexibility," he said.
If that means trading out of the first round, Berry acknowledges that may not make for a fun night for Browns fans with the draft happening in Cleveland. "I'm going to guess that a quiet Thursday night would not be popular amongst this audience. But I'm comfortable if we pick, I'm comfortable if we move out, I'm comfortable if we move up," the GM said.
Regardless of what moves he makes, Berry is pleased that next week's draft will be a showcase for Cleveland. "I think what I'm most excited about is for the nation to see the passion of the region. And honestly for them to see what we all appreciate so much about the city and why we love Cleveland so much. I'm excited for Browns fans to be very loud and visible next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and for the nation to see our beautiful city."
More Browns and NFL Draft coverage:
- Cleveland Browns pick up fifth-year options for quarterback Baker Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward
- Shaw High School senior Mya Tomoto to announce Cleveland Browns' 1st-round pick at 2021 NFL Draft
- 2021 NFL Draft: See which players are coming to Cleveland and who is participating virtually
- Cleveland Browns super fan 'Danny Cleveland' teams up with T-shirt shop to raise money for food bank