Philadelphia Eagles

Don't Judge the Cleveland Browns on Carson Wentz Trade

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Cleveland Browns GM Paul DePodesta looks like he’s already made his first error at his new job. But a player that works for one team may not work for another.

When the Cleveland Browns had the No. 2 overall pick, they had a chance to pick quarterback Carson Wentz. But instead, the Browns traded the pick for multiple picks, fitting the Moneyball ideals of GM Paul DePodesta. Right now, it doesn’t look like Moneyball as a future in the NFL.

While the Browns are struggling at 0-2, the Philadelphia Eagles are soaring at 2-0. And Corey Coleman, who the Browns eventually picked in the first round, is already out with a broken hand. So the trade the Cleveland Browns made looks bad right now.

But is it really?

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks so. He said in a conference a call Wednesday per the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “I was really surprised. I thought I would be facing him two times a year in Cleveland.”

Roethlisberger is high on Wentz, having the same agent and working out with him this past offseason. He said on the same conference call, “He’s a heady player. “He’s smart. Understands the game. Physically gifted, both with his legs and his arm. He can make all the throws.”

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Maybe, but not so fast to rush to judgement on the Browns. The Savior was last seen 2,016 years ago and when he comes back, it’s not to play football. So please don’t call Wentz that, he’s good quarterback that went into an unbelievably good situation.

The Eagles have a lot of talent on that team but Chip Kelly didn’t play to the team’s strengths. That defensive front-seven is ferocious with DT Fletcher Cox. But Kelly miscast them last season in a 3-4 but back in the 4-3, DE Brandon Graham gets to the QB consistently.

And on offense, Wentz walked into the No. 7-ranked offensive line in the NFL and they protect the passer well. He also has 2015 first-round pick Nelson Agholor, a pro style receiver that didn’t fit the Spread Offense. Then they traded for Dorial Green-Beckham a talented receiver on the other side.

Pederson made the trade to win now and the Browns did so to rebuild with multiple picks. Wentz would not be doing the same thing if he were in Cleveland. Head coach Doug Pederson was already with the team so he knew what his guys could do. And I give him credit for knowing what he could do with Wentz.

This savior stuff is a myth, it’s the situation Wentz went into!

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