Cleveland Browns Season Preview
Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel (3) gestures during the 2014 Hall of Fame game against the New York Giants at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills Draft Picks
The Cleveland Browns made a huge move in the NFL draft, one that is lauded universally. The Browns moved down a few selections in the first round to allow the Buffalo Bills to move up and select Sammy Watkins. While many Browns fans wanted Watkins his size and injury history make him a huge risk in the Top 5. The Bills gave up a first and fourth round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. That means, much like last year with the Colts, Browns fans will be scoreboard watching for another reason.
The Bills hopes for a competitive year have a few bumps in the road. The loss of their defensive coordinator, now Browns Head Coach, Mike Pettine causes transition. The season long loss of defensive leader Kiko Alsonso hurts their top shelf defense while Mario Williams is starting to hit later in his prime years. The development of E.J. Manuel, or lack there of, in the pre-season has to give the Bills a huge concern for their chances to compete this year. Watkins’ injuries through the pre-season also could hurt their return on investment. Finally playing in a division with the Patriots, who tend to dominate division foes, the tough Jets defense and the Dolphins who have talent in multiple spots, makes for a tough season.
The Browns could have a great year and still get a top 10 pick from the Bills in both the 1st and 4th rounds. A bad season by the Browns and Bills could lead to a franchise altering draft. The 2015 NFL Draft could be loaded with QB talent. If the Browns chose to move on quickly from Johnny Manziel, not likely, they should have a pick to do so. If the Browns want to auction off either of their first round picks to teams looking for a QB, more likely, they could score for years to come like the Rams did.
Either way the Bills picks make for another season the Browns can look forward to the NFL Draft, only this time they also get to cheer for their team to win. Justin Gilbert, the ’15 first rounder and fourth rounder for Sammy Watkins could be a trade that defines each franchise.