The Browns trading for Elijah Moore was a fairly controversial move at the time and still is. Some people felt a 2nd round pick was too hefty for an unproven WR, others say the potential was worth the bargain. In this article I will give my thoughts on the trade.

First, let’s go over what we gave up. The Browns essentially gave up a 2nd round pick, for an Elijah Moore, and a third, which led to be Cedrick Tillman. This is different than simply giving a 2nd for Elijah Moore. It’s essentially trading down from a 2nd to a third to get Elijah Moore. Now that the draft is over, what really matters is the Browns got Elijah Moore and Cedrick Tillman for a 2nd round pick. Considering WR’s rumored for the #Browns at 42 were still available when our 3rd round pick came around, and we still drafted Tillman, tells me the Browns did not value the players available at 42 significantly more than the players available at 74.

So, what does this mean? What would the Browns had done if they hadn’t traded for Moore? Since the Browns did not seem to value players at 42 significantly more than who was available at 74, they would have likely either drafted Tillman at 42, or trade down for Tillman and another 3rd round pick. So which route is better? Considering how hit or miss picks are, there is a good chance Moore is better than who they would have drafted with a third-round pick. The Bottom line is Browns were not likely planning to stick with their 2nd round pick even if they did not trade for Moore. Really, we traded a 3rd for Moore.

So, who won this trade? At this moment, it’s hard to tell. However, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman are starting to make strides. Both seem to be beginning to break out. They certainly are showing more life than the Jets current WR’s . The Jets would probably love to have those 2 WR’s on their team. However, on the bright side for the Jets, they got themselves an offensive line that they believed in. Another thing going for the Jets in this trade is there is no promise that Tillman and Moore would be any better than any of the other Jet’s WR’s with Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle at QB. So, I would say the trade was a win win. Browns got 2 up in coming WR’s that are showing strides so far, and Jets got themselves an offensive lineman who is climbing up the depth chart. Once the season concluded, we may get a better idea of who won. If all players involved continue on the track there on, I would say the trade will end as a win win for both sides.

What are your thoughts? Who do you think won the Elijah Moore trade?

photo credit: “Kevin Stefanski” by Erik Drost is licensed under CC BY 2.0