The debate that year was Rodgers or Smith at #1. When the 49ers took Smith, Rodgers fell. You are right, he wasn't expected to get out of the top 5 though.
Believe me, I've suffered through the last couple years. Take a QB at one, and be open at 4.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/12/jimmy_haslam_says_john_dorseys.html
Haslam told Dorsey his #1 priority is to find THE QB. No GM is ever going to say they aren't open to a trade, but it would take the world. They can't afford to pass on another franchise guy.
You do know they swapped out the entire FO right? The previous FO probably would have a price to trade down from 1 because analytics say that is the best option, but football sense says without a QB it doesn't mean much.
I think they would be open at 4, but not at 1.
No chance Cleveland drops out of contention for Barkley or Chubb for essentially 2 2nd rounders. The drop from 4 to 12 takes more than that, especially given the QB premium. The Jets gave up more to move up 2 spots.