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2015 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Miller’s Perfect for Browns?

By Jared Mueller

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Nov 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) celebrates following a 27-17 victory over the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

"The Pick: DT Danny Shelton, Washington With their second pick in the first round, the Cleveland Browns can turn an eye on improving the defensive line after a year in which the back eight on defense was more disruptive and more reliable than the front three. Danny Shelton from Washington is a unique player in that he has the body type to handle the nose tackle position, but his movement skills are good enough that he can play on the edge of the line, too. Shelton would excel in a one-gap defense (where he’s asked to simply stop or shoot one gap instead of two), but I see him make plays with strength that lead you to believe he can be a two-gapper if needed. The Browns have a stout, stingy defense, but Shelton is the type of player that pushes them from very good to elite if he reaches his ceiling."

Shelton will be a player that this writer stumps for often this year. Given the depth at the receiver position I would much rather take Shelton with the 12th pick and then select from the numerous receivers that will inhabit the first round of this draft. In Miller’s draft the Browns still get Shelton at 19 but don’t be shocked if he is drafted much higher given the limited inside forces in this draft and the early success of Aaron Donald with the St. Louis Rams this year.

Shelton likely won’t be graded as high as Donald but could be close. As Miller describes, Shelton is a player that can do a lot of different things for a defense. For the Browns he is a space eater type with his strength but also can shoot gaps to make plays in the backfield depending on what is asked of him. Inserting Shelton into the middle of the defensive line would free up Armonty Bryant, Phil Taylor, Desmond Bryant, Billy Winn and John Hughes, or whoever they bring back next year.

That is the power of a great nose tackle in the 3-4 system. Not only does he help in the run game by pushing the middle but he helps in the pass rush by occupying blockers to allow the defensive ends and linebackers to flow to the ball. Mike Pettine would love to get a player like Shelton into his system.

For me this 1st round is as close to perfect as possible. With the depth at receiver it might even be okay for the Browns to look to upgrade their offensive line instead of WR before addressing that need in the second round. A player like Andrus Peat could come in and immediately upgrade the line, while providing a long term replacement for Joe Thomas. With the depth at the receiver position the Browns likely could see someone fall to them in the second round that could have an immediate impact. The same could be true for offensive line as well.

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With Miller’s 2015 NFL Mock Draft the Browns have addressed their two most glaring needs, outside of quarterback, in one round. They still would have 8 picks to address a number of other needs. Drafting a developmental QB like Brett Hundley early would not be shocking, he would likely go in the 2nd round. Oregon’s Jake Fisher is a name to be on the look out for in the 2nd round to compete at the right tackle spot.

What do you think of Matt Miller’s 2015 NFL Mock Draft?

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