Peterson's Collarbone Could Be A lot Worse Than Expected

One of the big issues heading into today's draft was that there are maybe 15 players worthy of first-round grades (and, obviously, 32 first-round picks). This explains why just about every team wants to trade down. But an emerging story line involves Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and the extent of his injured collarbone. Here's Mike Mayock during the NFL Network's pre-draft coverage a few minutes ago:

Mayock: The running back thing really fascinates me. I spoke to two teams earlier today; both teams told me that the medical on Adrian Peterson's collarbone is pretty significant. You may have to re-break the bone, insert a plate. If so, he's probably '08. And if you try to play him this year, there's a chance it could re-break.

So, if you're looking for a running back -- and our guy Marshall [Faulk] told us yesterday -- it might be Marshawn Lynch ahead of Adrian Peterson because of the injury.... I have never seen so much intrigue at the top end of the draft.

Wow. We heard reports about Peterson's collarbone, but nothing this serious. If these rumors are true (and rumors are always true), you have to think the Browns have scratched Peterson off the list at No. 3, and now it's down to Brady Quinn or Joe Thomas (assuming either are available). ~~Or better yet, maybe a trade down.~~ Or, as the NFL Network's Adam Schefter just reported, Cleveland might try to trade up ... all the way to No. 1. Oakland is asking for too much -- at least from the Browns' perspective -- so that plan is on hold ... for now.