Sports
Sources: Collier back to Lynx on supermax deal
Napheesa Collier signs supermax contract to return to the Lynx
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
10-year NFL draft history: Trading down out of Top 10 has worked most of the time
TL;DR
Trading down from the Top 10 in the NFL Draft has generally proven successful for teams over the past decade, despite mixed feelings among Cleveland Browns fans. The Browns' recent trade down to select Mason Graham and others has shown promise, but past decisions remain contentious.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: Defensive Tackle Mason Graham of Michigan poses after being selected fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For Cleveland Browns fans, trading down has become a very polarizing topic. For those who are for it, especially in the 2026 NFL draft, it is all about value, opportunities (bites at the apple), and making a wise value decision. For those who are against it, drafting the top guys is always a good decision and the Browns history of trading down is just putrid.
Most Cleveland fans can point to any number of bad decisions, which often actually are not about the trading down but about the actual players selected. So far, last yearâs move from the second to the fifth pick for DT Mason Graham, RB Quinshon Judkins, and the 24th pick in the 2026 NFL draft has looked good. That doesnât mean history will repeat itself.
While many point back to the Julio Jones trade, the last decade has seen most of the trade downs out of the Top 10 to be mostly successful for teams, besides the Browns in 2016:
(The original poster noted they made a mistake with the Jalen Carter trade noted here, which was a small trade up)
In general, most would take the players on the right side of that chart over the ones on the left. In some areas, it might be closer than others, but as a whole, trading back in the Top 10 has been a successful endeavor recently.
That isnât to say that Cleveland GM Andrew Berry should make another trade back. As they say in finance, past performance is not indicative of future success. It does, however, provide a different picture than the one that Browns fans are generally focused on when it comes to trading down. On the other side, we do not know the moves that were not made due to value or choosing a top player over moving back.
The last decade shows us one thing: Teams can be successful trading back in the Top 10 of the NFL draft. While that is helpful information, it should not and does not inform Clevelandâs decision in 2026.
What do you think when you look back at the recent Top 10 trades? Does it impact your thoughts at all on trading back in general or in this yearâs draft?
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Q&A
What are the benefits of trading down in the NFL Draft?
Trading down allows teams to acquire more draft picks, providing additional opportunities to select players and potentially improve overall team depth.
How did the Cleveland Browns perform after trading down in the 2025 NFL Draft?
After trading down, the Browns selected defensive tackle Mason Graham and running back Quinshon Judkins, which has been viewed positively so far.
What historical examples support the success of trading down in the NFL Draft?
The last decade has shown that most teams trading down from the Top 10 have found success, with notable exceptions like the Browns' 2016 draft decisions.
