Minnesota sent pick No. 156 and a 2023 fourth-rounder to…
Minnesota sent pick No. 156 and a 2023 fourth-rounder to Cleveland to move up for cornerback Akayleb Evans at No. 118. Cleveland used No. 156 on running back Jerome Ford and the future fourth on edge defender Isaiah McGuire. Evans gave Minnesota stretches of starting work, but Ford became a productive backfield contributor and McGuire added defensive rotation value. Two useful Browns for one inconsistent Vikings corner gives Cleveland the edge.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2022 5th round pick (156th overall, Jerome Ford )
- pick 2023 4th round pick (126th overall, Isaiah McGuire)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2022 4th round pick (118th overall, Akayleb Evans)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota traded pick No. 156 in 2022 and a 2023 fourth-round selection to Cleveland for No. 118. The Vikings used the higher pick on Missouri cornerback Akayleb Evans. Cleveland selected Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford at No. 156 and later used the future fourth, No. 126, on Missouri edge defender Isaiah McGuire. The Vikings were buying a specific defensive prospect, while Cleveland accepted the drop in exchange for an extra future Day 3 opportunity.
Why Cleveland Won
Ford became the strongest individual return from the transaction. He developed into a productive member of Cleveland's backfield, handling significant rushing work and giving the Browns starting-caliber insurance when injuries changed the depth chart. McGuire also contributed as a rotational edge defender. Landing two players who both reached meaningful regular-season roles is a strong result from a fifth-round pick and a future fourth, especially after moving down from a selection outside the top 100.
How Minnesota Fared
Evans gave the Vikings enough value to make the trade defensible. He earned starting opportunities at cornerback and brought the size and athleticism Minnesota targeted when it moved up. His play, however, was uneven, and he did not separate himself as a long-term answer at the position. Because the Vikings concentrated two picks into one player, Evans needed to become the best contributor in the comparison. Instead, Cleveland received useful production from both pieces of its return.
Final Verdict
Cleveland earns a B+ and Minnesota a C+. The Vikings got real defensive snaps from Evans, so this was not a wasted move. The Browns nevertheless turned the trade-down into two contributors, led by Ford's sustained offensive role. Greater total contribution and two cost-controlled players give Cleveland the clearer long-term value and the win.