Here we are again, trying to predict what the Browns are going to do with their draft picks. This is the first year of a new Browns era. New owner, new GM, new coaching staff, and everyone wanting to prove themselves to the Cleveland faithful that they can turn the Browns around. Can they?
The answer to that question is yes. We have a solid group of core talent out there right now. Joe Thomas, Trent Richardson, Haden, Jackson, Mack, Ward, Bryant, Kruger, and Gordon. These are guys that would start at their respective positions for just about any team. We also have some up-and-comers like Sheard, Benjamin, and Cameron. These guys could be really good once they mature.
This year, the Browns have 7 draft picks:
- Round 1 pick 6
- Round 3 pick 6
- Round 4 pick 7
- Round 5 pick 6
- Round 5 pick 31 (from the Colt McCoy trade to S.F)
- Round 6 pick 7
- Round 7 pick 21
Of course, with any team that went 5-11 the year before, there are some holes. The Browns biggest needs are CB, S, LB, and RG. DE and LB are not needs, but they're a little light on them so it wouldn't hurt to stack them a little, especially with the formation change from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. The Browns got some reserve CB's in free agency in Kevin Barnes and Chris Owens. Quentin Groves is also a nice piece at LB. Ryan Rau was recently added as LB. Gary Barnidge serves as a backup TE. With all that in mind, here are the best scenarios for the Browns on draft night with their #6 pick:
Scenario #1 - Browns trade back with either Miami or San Diego as both are in need of an offensive lineman. With the huge drop-off from the #3 guy to the #4 guy, some teams may look to jump in front of Arizona if and only if the #2 or #3 guy is still on the board. KC is expected is take an OT, and any of the next 4 teams have been rumored to be willing to take one. Arizona definitely wants one, so if Miami or San Diego can send their first, second, and maybe even a late-round draft pick to the Browns, that would be worth it this year. Especially since the Browns don't have a second-round pick. Not a good year to be without that, although I think Gordon was worth it.
If the Browns get Miami's 12 pick, they'll most likely get their second round pick (#42) as well. This is probably the best scenario for Cleveland. They'd be able to get the second-best CB in Xavier Rhodes and get an extra pick (or more) in the second-round for a safety like Matt Elam. They could also pick up an OLB like Jarvis Jones in the 1st round and grab a CB like D.J Hayden in the second round, who some project Miami to get at #42 if they keep it. The Ha(y)den boys would be a tough out for any team, especially with his size.
If Cleveland takes San Diego's 11 and 45 picks, it would be pretty much the same scenario. With Miami, you're giving them a chance to jump more spaces than San Diego, so you may get more in return. Plus Miami's second-round pick is higher than San Diego's.
Scenario #2 - Browns draft Dion Jordan, DE/OLB from Oregon. He is the best guy to fit a 3-4 scheme. He's good in both pass rushing and coverage. This would keep Sheard as a DE where he likes to be while putting Jordan and Kruger on the outsides. Doubtful that Jordan drops this low. Look for him to be taken by Jacksonville.
Scenario #3 - Browns draft Dee Milliner, CB from Alabama. I really like Milliner, so it would be hard for me to choose if both Jordan and Milliner were on the board. I think if both are, Cleveland takes Jordan. If Jordan is gone and Milliner is still on the board (and they haven't traded back), they take Milliner. Some thought he was the best college football player, let alone defensive back, in the country last year.
Scenario #4 - The Browns decide to upset everyone in their fan base and choose Geno Smith, QB from West Virginia. Let's start it off on the right foot, guys, and NOT do anything THIS stupid. With the Browns, I can't take any stupid decisions off the table, though.
Scenario #5 - Jordan and Milliner are both gone, and they can't trade down. Browns pick either Ziggy Ansah, DE from BYU or Barkevious Mingo, OLB from LSU. These are both young players with a lot of upside to them. Horton did a good job with Calais Campbell in Arizona, also a young, raw talent at the time. I'd prefer Mingo but I'd be okay with either.
Scenario #6 - Browns draft Chance Warmack, OG from Alabama. I'm all for this pick as well, especially since Richardson has already worked with him. I'm all for taking SEC guys, especially from Alabama. That's partly why Mingo gets the nod for me over Ansah. Warmack would solidify the offensive line and give Richardson some nice holes to run through.
Except for #4, I would be okay with any of these scenarios. Stay away from QB's and WR's here although I know it's tempting. QB will still be an issue going into the season, but I like Campbell if Weeden doesn't show he's the guy. This gives the Browns another year and a chance at Johnny Manziel next year.
Good luck, Browns! This is your chance to make a big splash, so do it right! Here's what Cleveland's starting lineup will probably look like this year:
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Offense QB: Brandon Weeden
RB: Trent Richardson
FB: Owen Marecic
WRs: Josh Gordon, Greg Little, Travis Benjamin, David Nelson
TE: Jordan Cameron or Kellen Davis
LT: Joe Thomas
LG: Jason Pinkston
C: Alex Mack
RG: Shawn Lauvao (or Chance Warmack)
RT: Mitchell Schwartz
Defense
DT: Ahtyba Rubin
NT: Phillip Taylor
RDE: Desmond Bryant
LOLB: Paul Kruger
LILB: Craig Robertson
RILB: D'Qwell Jackson
ROLB: Jabaal Sheard (Dion Jordan, Barkevious Mingo, Ziggy Ansah, or Jarvis Jones)
LCB: Joe Haden
FS: Tashaun Gipson or Eric Hagg (Matt Elam)
SS: T.J. Ward
RCB: Buster Skrine (Dee Milliner, Xavier Rhodes, or D.J Hayden)
Special teams
K: Brandon Bogotay or Shayne Graham
P: Spencer Lanning
LS: Christian Yount
KR-PR: Travis Benjamin
No comments:
Post a Comment