2015 NFL Mock Draft: Browns Add Big NT in 3rd Round

While the Cleveland Browns are preparing for the Atlanta Falcons, and the return of Josh Gordon, we are participating in a community 2015 NFL Mock Draft. The Twitter oriented Mock will encompass the first 4 rounds of the draft. You can take a look at the entire draft here.

As the GM for the Browns we made a big trade to move up in the first round for a wide receiver. (New Window)

We then came back later in the first to add the most intriguing defensive line prospect in the draft. (New Window)

Without a 2nd round pick, used to move up in the first, the next pick for the Browns comes in the middle of the 3rd quarter.

With the 79th pick the Cleveland Browns select Darius Kilgo, NT, Maryland

The Browns have struggled in the middle of their defense this year. Ahtyba Rubin has struggled and is showing his age and lack of dynamic ability. Phil Taylor, who Mike Pettine has lined up mostly at DE in the 3-4, seems best suited for the nose but he is again out due to injury. The Browns may choose to cut him this off-season.

That leaves the Browns severely lacking talent inside. Only Ishmaa’ily Kitchen can play strong at the point of attack. He is limited but at least has the size and strength to not be pushed around. Sione Fua is also listed on the depth chart as a nose tackle, he has little history of being a starting level player.

Darius Kilgo would come in immediately and provide the type of dynamic play in the middle of the defensive line. Kilgo is a 6’2″, 320 pounds senior for Maryland. Like most interior linemen his statsï¿½don’t tell the entire story of his impact.

So far this season Kilgo has two sacks to go with his 37 total tackles. As the anchor for Maryland’s 3-4 defense, his primary job is to control blockers to allow his teammates to make plays. His stats this season match his stats exactly from the entire season last year. He also had 6.5 tackles for loss last season.

With the addition of Shawn Oakman already in the draft and now Kilgo, the Browns have addressed their biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. Kilgo along with a combination of Kitchen, Fua and/or a free agent addition should help take care of the NT position. Oakman joins Desmond Bryant, Billy Winn, John Hughes and Armonty Bryant to fortify the defensive end spot. If Taylor returns he can help at both spots as well.

Here is a video highlighting Kilgo, while he doesn’t make many eye popping plays it is amazing to see 2 and 3 blockers on Kilgo at a time:

Looking Back

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The Browns have now added 3 immediate starters in this 2015 NFL Mock Draft. Amari Cooper answers the need at the receiving group. Having Cooper join Josh Gordon and Andrew Hawkins gives the Browns an amazing trio at wide receiver. Taylor Gabriel, Travis Benjamin and Miles Austin can also help. Giving up a 2nd and 4th rounder to get Cooper was good value based on the trade chart, although those picks could have been used to fortify other positions and a Kevin White type receiver could have been drafted.

Oakman won’t likely start, and will need some time to develop, but his pure athletic skills should help him make an impact early. Kilgo, as a fully physically developed senior, should see a ton of time on the field. A few areas of concern on the Browns have been address.

Looking Forward

The Cleveland Browns have one pick left in the 4th round of this 4 round 2015 NFL Mock Draft. If we didn’t make the move for Cooper we would have two. We will look for best player available but a run stopping inside linebacker or a offensive lineman would be at the top of our need list.

What do you think of the Browns selections so far in this 2015 NFL Mock Draft?

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