Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) walks on the field during pre game warmups against the UCLA Bruins at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Draft
Round 1:
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville or Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississipi State
In the first round the Browns address what we believe is their biggest need, outside of identifying a solid quarterback long term, in drafting Danny Shelton the powerful, but quick, nose tackle from the Washington Huskies. Shelton steps right in to start at the nose. Phil Taylor and B.J. Raji can provide great depth at that position, with Raji starting at defensive end and Taylor backing up everyone on the line.
The Browns second first round pick depends a bit on their free agent additions. If Duron Carter, Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin or Michael Crabtree are signed then the Browns will go in a different direction. If not there are a number of players like Parker who can slide right into the #2 wide receiver position for the Browns, as well as give insurance in case Josh Gordon has more troubles, or leaves as a free agent in 2016. Parker is a notch below Amari Cooper but is a great route runner with good hands, a perfect fit with Kyle Shanahan’s route running system.
If the receiver position is addressed in free agency then the Browns can hit on another need with their second 1st rounder. McKinney is the highest rated inside linebacker in the draft. The position is not valued high in the NFL Draft but the Browns have a need for a long term replacement for Karlos Dansby next to Christian Kirksey long term. McKinney is fast, strong and with a high football IQ, a perfect fit with Pettine’s needs on defense.
Round 2:
Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
Fisher is the rock of the Oregon offensive line. The Duck offense gets into space well, a perfect skill for the Zone Blocking Scheme. Fisher slides in as the starting right tackle for the Browns, next to Iupati, giving the Browns possibly the best offensive line in the league. Starting Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack, Mike Iupati and Jake Fisher across the front five would give the Browns running backs open lanes and quarterbacks time to throw the ball. Exactly what Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine wants to build on offense. Cameron Erving, who can play any position on the line would also be an option.
Round 3:
Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
The Buckeyes tight end could go higher than this once testing is completed. He wasn’t used a ton in the passing game for the Buckeyes this season but showed development during his time in Columbus. He could be the highest rated tight end by the time the draft rolls around. With Cameron signing a one year, make good deal Heuerman is in place to back him up and possibly replace him the following year. He has greatly improved his blocking and has good hands to go along with his athleticism. The Browns can run 2 tight end sets that they can run or throw out of, perfect for the play action passing game plan the team has.
Round 4:
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Ifo was a player that the Browns may have been interested in this past draft had he come out. This year he was having a stellar season until recently tearing his ACL. The Browns, after losing Buster Skrine, could be on the look out for a corner but have the freedom to wait for Ekpre-Olomu to heal fully. Next year Joe Haden, Justin Gilbert (we are expecting big development this off-season), K’Waun Williams and Pierre Desir will give the Browns a good amount of depth at the corner positions. Pettine loves his cornerbacks and getting Ifo this low would be seen as a long term steal and a way to take advantage of the extra Bills pick.
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Jeremy Cash, SS, Duke
The Browns have Donte Whitner starting at the strong safety spot but have no long term plan there. After addressing their offensive line and tight end spots, as well as receiver either in the draft or free agency, expect Farmer and Pettine to continue to invest in their defense. Cash is a big, strong safety who can cover as well. A perfect long term replacement for Whitner and locks up the Browns secondary of the future with Gipson and Cash at safety with Haden, Gilbert, Williams, Desir and Ekpre-Olomu manning the corner spots. Expect the rest of the draft, with 4 more picks to go to linemen and wide receivers.
Wow, with just the first 4 rounds of the draft and a few free agent additions, expect another veteran running back as well, the Browns’ roster is all of the sudden very deep and talented. Obviously it depends on free agents deciding to come to Cleveland and who is available when the Browns pick, but the roster turnover in Cleveland could be huge, quickly. Take a look at the new starting lineups we expect for next year:
That doesn’t include the huge depth that the team would still have with the remaining 29 roster spots (3 spots go to the Kicker, Punter and Long Snapper). Only a few of the Browns draft picks, Fisher and Shelton (and Parker if a FA WR isn’t signed), would actually be starting for the team in their first season. The key is the free agent additions to allow the roster to develop with experience and youth.
We expect a lot of opinions, either on our free agent additions or our Mock Draft. Comment section is below or
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