NFL Mock Draft: Kadar Goes All Defense for Browns
NFL Free Agency is slowing down, if it ever got going for the Cleveland Browns. That means NFL Mock Draft season is in full swing. Dan Kadar of SB Nation brings us his updated NFL Mock Draft, one in which he has the Browns going all defense with their 2 first round picks.
Much of his Mock is updated after the flurry of trades and deals made early in Free Agency. His NFL Mock Draft puts the Browns in a unique position and begs the question: Should the Browns fill needs or go for Best Player Available? Most good teams use BPA while struggling teams can often reach to fill needs. Some will say the Browns are not good enough to go BPA while others will counter that the Browns will never be good enough filling needs instead of BPA.
So let’s take a look at Kadar’s NFL Mock Draft:
First, before the Browns pick at 12, Kadar has both quarterbacks (Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota), two of the three top wide receivers (Amari Cooper and Kevin White) and NT Danny Shelton off the board. Should the Browns draft DeVante Parker or will they go off conventional wisdom with a different player?
"12. Cleveland Browns: Bud Dupree, DE, KentuckyAs expected, the Browns lost Jabaal Sheard in free agency. Unless Cleveland really thinks Barkevious Mingo can take the next step as a pass rusher, they need more talent to get after the quarterback. Dupree is coming off an impressive combine performance and could give Cleveland an imposing presence on the outside."
Well that is definitely a “different” pick but one that shows that Kadar does his homework. The Browns have been looking at a number of pass rushers this off-season so adding one in the draft makes a ton of sense. Dupree has been compared to Mingo, in both good and not so good ways, as a raw pass rusher. He could be the kind of explosive pass rusher the Browns currently lack or he could take years to develop.
Not only does Dan have the Browns passing on Parker but also Andrus Peat, the hulking tackle that could upgrade the offensive line. Thankfully the Browns have a second pick in the 1st round to appease fans desire for offensive upgrade, either on the line or at receiver or tight end:
"19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills): Malcolm Brown, DT, TexasThe Browns have been fairly quiet in free agency, and need to bolster the defensive line with talent. Brown has the foot speed to win at the snap and is highly athletic for his size. On a team like Cleveland, he should be able to play nose tackle or end. While he’s much better playing one gap, he’s strong enough to occupy multiple blockers."
And Kadar goes back to the well once again on the defensive side. Brown is not the stout nose tackle type, although he can play there. He is much better as an end in the Browns front. Kadar does hit again on a need for the Browns, as we would say that stopping the run is second behind QB as a need for the Browns. Brown isn’t going to hold the nose the way a true nose tackle would but combining him with Billy Winn and Phil Taylor could give the Browns enough girth up front to make a difference in the run game.
A number of wide receivers, including Jaelen Strong and Devin Smith, are passed over here by Kadar. If the Browns would have gone with Parker at 12 they would have had the option of a couple pass rushers including Shane Ray and Eli Harold at 19, maybe a better combination for the team.
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With Dupree and Brown on board, the Browns defense should get a quick upgrade. The Front 7 getting pressure without blitzing is key to what Mike Pettine wants to do. Both of these picks should help that process. How the Browns scheme to stop the run, whether Brown or Winn are at the nose on early downs, will be key if they can’t find a stout guy in the middle of their defense.
The offense remains untouched and the run defense still needs some help but the good news is the Browns have 8 more picks to try to upgrade the rest of their team.
What do you think of Dan Kadar’s NFL Mock Draft going all defense for the Browns?