2015 NFL Mock Draft: Dual CBS Sports Mocks Upgrade Browns
Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Andrus Peat (70) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. The Sun Devils defeated the Cardinal 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
"12. Cleveland Browns — Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford: As the only team with two first round picks, the Browns have a lot of flexibility, including potentially making a good offensive line one of the league’s elite. A star left tackle for the Cardinal, Peat is blessed with remarkable balance and agility for a man of his 6-7, 315 pound dimensions. He’d provide an upgrade over Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle and could be groomed to eventually take over for All-Pro Joe Thomas."
Now there is a pick Browns fans can get a bit excited about. Peat hasn’t made a decision whether he is coming back for his senior season. He was considered a Top 5 type pick before the season started but has slid some. The Browns could take advantage and get a huge upgrade at right tackle and have someone who could replace Joe Thomas in his second contract. While picking Peat doesn’t upgrade the receiver position it will help open holes in the running game and give whoever the Browns quarterback is more time to throw. That really helps the offense.
Rang’s selection of Peat doesn’t go without a problem though. Danny Shelton, possibly the perfect fit at nose for the Browns goes a few picks later to the Houston Texans. Putting Shelton with J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney could set the world on edge and really push the Texans past the Colts, though a QB is really important in Houston (Brian Hoyer could be their guy next year). Picking Peat also cost the Browns a chance at White and DGB at wide receiver and Cedric Ogbuehi, Johnny Manziel‘s former offensive lineman at Texas A&M. All picks have opportunity costs. With the second 1st rounder will Rang continue all offense, like Brugler did on defense, or give some balance?
"19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo) — DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville: The Browns’ defense and running game have been good enough to make them competitive but the lack of a top-flight receiver limits the team’s upside. The club is hopeful, of course, that Josh Gordon will re-emerge as a superstar but can’t rely on him. Parker missed the first seven games of the year with a broken fifth toe in his left foot, but the 6-3, 209 pounder has starred since, demonstrating the fluidity and ball-skills to project as a No. 1 target."
Why not go all in right? This is the draft that would have the fans most excited. Parker is a big time weapon that could replace Josh Gordon, maybe not as talented but being on the field is kind of important. Parker’s ability to run routes and catch the ball cleanly will be loved by this coaching staff. Kyle Shanahan, and to some extent Mike Pettine, seem to value route running and hands over size. Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel are two receivers who have succeeded this season because of it. Parker gives a whole different dimension with his size and body control. If Gordon returns imagine these two beasts on the outside with Hawkins and Gabriel inside. Peat upgrades the offensive line and the Browns have two young backs who can go. Offense = Upgraded!
However that means the Browns defense gets no attention from Rang. It is hard to find big bodied players who can really plug the hole in the middle of the defensive line. It is why defensive, and offensive as well, linemen tend to be chosen higher than expected in the draft, there are not a lot of them. The Browns still have 8 picks to address their defense and based on Rang’s draft I would expect most of the picks to go in that direction. The good news is that the Browns coaching staff did a great job developing the later picks and undrafted free agents, Christian Kirksey, Pierre Desir and K’Waun Williams are a few of them on defense. We have confidence in this coaching staff.
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So what do you think? If you had to choose would you choose the Brugler “All Defense” model that fits a bit more with what we know Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine like to do, and fits the AFC North better? Or would you pick the Rob Rang “All Offense” model that upgrades the offense greatly and keeps up with the trends in the NFL and will make fans very happy?
With two first round picks, anything is possible this year for the Browns. They could trade up for a quarterback. They could trade back and collect picks. They could take a high risky player such as Shawn Oakman, a boom or bust defensive lineman. The young team that they have means it wouldn’t be shocking to see them prioritize a few players and pay a premium to go up and get them, instead of flooding 10 more rookies on to the roster. Trading picks for veterans also seems to fit what needs they have.
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Time to be heard, pick your 2015 NFL Mock Draft between Dane Brugler and Rob Rang and tell us why.