Dueling 2015 NFL Mock Drafts
Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
"6. CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1) Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa: The Browns have two of the league’s best with left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack but could use reinforcements at right tackle, where Mitchell Schwartz is coming off a disappointing second season. Scherff plays with the physicality and tenacity that is helping rookie Joel Bitonio impress already at right guard."
Based on the selection of Bitonio, Scherff seems like the type of player that the new Browns regime would love. He had a small surgery recently but returned quickly. Similar to Brugler, adding a offensive lineman fits with the Browns goal to build the offense from the inside out. The Browns could look to add a pass rush threat, Jabaal Sheard will be a free agent, with Vic Beasley or big DE Leonard Williams if they go defense with a high pick.
"11. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM BUFFALO) (1-1) Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma: The Browns stubbornly refused to acknowledge the impending loss of Josh Gordon throughout the 2014 draft, leaving quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel lacking a playmakers at the receiver position. Like Gordon, Green-Beckham comes with character concerns that could push him down the board but he’s a top 10 talent who is drawing comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals’ star A.J. Green for his size, speed and ball skills."
DGB much like Josh Gordon has had a little too much love of the THC, among other problems. He would be the ultimate boom or bust prospect. If he booms the Browns would have the best pair of wide receivers in the league in 2 or 3 years. Gordon and DGB would give defenses headaches especially when paired with stud tight end Jordan Cameron, slot guy Andrew Hawkins and an amazing running game.
It would be tough for the front office to take a risk on him after all they have dealt with related to Gordon. However this risk could be well worth it. A running team with those passing threats could create a offense unlike anything the Browns have seen in years. Again the concern becomes the quarterback play. If Manziel can get his footwork, timing and progressions down, his creative ability would be the second layer of frosting on top of an amazing offensive cake.
Overall Thoughts
Both Brugler and Rang have the Browns going OL and WR with their 2 first round picks. Much depends on the team’s view of Manziel. If they feel comfortable with him as their long term QB they could create a dynamic offense around him. They haven’t shown much value in the receiver position in either free agency or the draft so far which makes them taking a first round receiver tough to imagine. With Sheard’s free agency, Paul Kruger‘s big contract and the age of Karlos Dansby the team could look linebacker early. The defensive line is deep but Mike Pettine would love to add another stud, difference maker there as well.
All and all it is exciting to have a team on the field that seems full of talent, likely to compete in most games this season and have these 2 picks. It makes both the regular season and preparing for the draft exciting. Has been a long time since we have looked forward to both Sunday and the NFL Draft. Soak it in Cleveland.
What do you think of their picks?