Jake Fisher: Browns Draft Profile
The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns 2015 NFL Draft seems ready to be a very interesting one for the team. With 10 picks, including two in the first round, the Browns are ready to make noise again for the second year in a row.
Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud. Last year the Browns draft included a big trade down and the drafting of Johnny Manziel. While the first round hasn’t panned out yet, the rest of the draft seems to be great. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.
After free agency we wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns tried to trade their picks to move up, to get another veteran or went with best player available instead of drafting for need. Farmer did this last year when he drafted Joel Bitonio, Terrance West, Christian Kirksey and others instead of drafting a wide receiver. We could see that again.
In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for free agency.
Name
Postion
Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight
6’6″, 300 lbs
School
Oregon Ducks
Stats
N/A
2014 NFL Draft Comparison
Zack Martin – 19th overall – Much like Martin, Fisher is an experienced, technical player who can play multiple spots on the line. Unlike Martin, or Joel Bitonio another comparison, Fisher is likely to stay outside in the NFL.
2015 NFL Draft Range
1st – 2nd Round – The 2015 NFL Draft is a little deeper, at least from what we expect, than last year’s draft on the offensive line. Fisher could slide a bit due to this.
Fit with the Browns
Fisher fits perfectly for the Browns. He has the size to play outside and the foot speed and technique to play in the Zone Blocking Scheme. At 6’6″ he has room to add even more bulk to his 300 pound frame and could long term replace Joe Thomas at left tackle. If the Browns could steal him in the 2nd round the offensive line, no matter what they do at right guard, could be tremendous.
Browns Player Selection Could Impact
Mitchell Schwartz – Schwartz has been attacked by fans since he arrived it seems. His play is not bad enough that he doesn’t get the job done but when he gets beat it looks very bad. He could be moved inside to right guard or become a backup with the selection of Fisher.
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How Selection Could Be Impacted By Free Agency
Unlike Bitonio, who was a tackle in college, the Browns would be far less likely to draft Fisher if they signed a right tackle in free agency. A more stout guard would be more valued at this point then and likely could be acquired a bit later in the draft.
Priority
Medium-High – The Browns are a running team and need to continue to upgrade their offensive line. With Thomas likely to hit his decline in the next few years, for a lot of linemen it is very sudden, the Browns should start to plan for the future. Drafting an upgrade at the right tackle spot who fits their system and can move over down the road is a perfect now and later type move. That is why we expect Jake Fisher to be prioritized by the Browns.
What do you think about targeting Jake Fisher in the 2015 NFL Draft?