Nov 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine, owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Ray Farmer before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns are sitting at home, just like their fans, watching the NFL Playoffs. Since we don’t have our team to root for we can start our NFL Mock Draft process. While the Draft takes place after free agency it is much more difficult to predict free agency.
Click Here for Our Free Agency Profiles (New Window)
Obviously free agency could impact who the Browns draft. We expect the Browns to try to address their needs via free agency and to draft the best player available based on their schemes. While many want the team to fill perceived needs with every pick but GM Ray Farmer has always professed Best Player Available drafting.
That doesn’t mean he will just pick the highest rated player on the board, as appropriate team building always has to play a role. Cornerback, for an example, is unlikely to be a high draft pick, unless the grade is that much higher than the draft position. The Browns signed Joe Haden to a big contract, drafted Justin Gilbert and Pierre Desir and found K’Waun Williams as an undrafted free agent. Buster Skrine is a free agency and could be re-signed, further limiting the corner need.
While we have no idea who the Browns might sign in free agency, the team’s own free agents tell us positions that could need to be filled. Skrine is joined by Jordan Cameron, Jabaal Sheard and Ahtyba Rubin as starters who could leave in free agency. Former starter Brian Hoyer is also a free agent while Pro Bowl Safety Tashaun Gipson is a restricted free agent that the team will do everything they can to re-sign.
Losing Cameron or Sheard will lead to new starters at those positions. Rubin will likely be replaced in the starting lineup, even if he is re-signed. Hoyer is unlikely to return but the team is likely to look for a veteran QB to challenge Johnny Manziel. Losing Gipson would be very difficult.
Now that we have addressed some of the Browns own free agents it is time to look at our NFL Mock Draft. A few things that are important to know in advance:
- No trades will be predicted.
- We will be selecting players in the range we think they may be selected based on Draft experts including but not limited to Matt Miller, Dane Brugler, Luke Easterling, Eric Galko and others.
- Our picks will be a combination of what I would do and what we believe Ray Farmer will do.
- We haven’t even made it through the National Title Game, Shrine Game, Senior Bowl or the Combine so we expect many changes between now and the NFL Draft.
- If either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, much less with the latter, we could see the Browns trading up for a QB. We know Farmer loves Mariota. We don’t believe Winston will be high on their board but his talent is undeniable.
- He likely won’t be selected today but we know Farmer liked Brett Hundley a lot last year and we could see him drafting him in the 2nd or trading back into the late 1st like Teddy Bridgewater last year.
- On to our 2015 NFL Mock Draft. All 7 Round for the Cleveland Browns.
Next: Pick #12 Is...
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Will We Get a Receiver at #19?
Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) celebrates his touchdown during the second half in the 2015 Citrus Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Quarterback in the 2nd Round? How about a Receiver?
Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jake Fisher (75) motivates the crowd against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Finally a Receiver? Yes!
Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Sammie Coates (18) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Next: The First of our 2 Fourth Rounders
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Deion Barnes (18) during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Next: Team Building Continues
Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) passes against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Last 3 Rounds Coming Your Way
Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive end Charles Tapper (91) in game action against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma beat Texas 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Next: What a Browns Draft, Right? Let's Review
Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns helmet on the field before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Going into the NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns needs could be lessened by Free Agency. Without that information we moved forward with our 2015 NFL Mock Draft with 7 Rounds for the Cleveland Browns. Here are the Browns 10, wow we have a ton of picks, picks from our NFL Mock Draft and the roles we expect for them:
Danny Shelton – Shelton steps right in as the Browns starting nose tackle and should greatly improve the team’s run defense while also helping against the pass.
Maxx Williams – Williams might be 2nd on the Browns Depth Chart, depending on Jordan Cameron and free agency (Charles Clay should be a target for the Browns) but he will play often with his ability to block and stretch the field.
Jake Fisher – Fisher starts for the Browns at either the right tackle or right guard positions. He will settle either of those positions for years to come and greatly impact both the run and pass game of the Browns.
Sammie Coates – Coates will be the Browns 3rd receiver most likely. Josh Gordon could return and Andrew Hawkins will play an important role. The Browns could bring in a veteran receiver, especially if Gordon is cut or traded.
Deion Barnes – Barnes will take a bit of time to transition to standing up in the 3-4 as an outside linebacker. Mike Pettine will find a role for him as a pass rusher and even on kick teams.
Bryce Petty – Petty should not play next season but the Browns have played 3 quarterbacks for the past few years so nothing would be surprising. Petty is a developmental QB much like Brian Brohm with the Packers with Aaron Rodgers.
Charles Tapper – Tapper gives the Browns more beef up front on the defensive line. He may see some time in rotation depending on free agency and health. He could come on strong late in the season.
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Byron Marshall – Marshall replaces Travis Benjamin as the Browns primary kick and punt returner. He will see some time in multi-receiver sets but not many his rookie year.
Kevin White – The Browns bring in another cornerback but White can help as a free safety as well. After having to play Jordan Poyer at corner this year the Browns will be careful and could use one of their 10 picks to get some depth.
Kaleb Johnson – The Browns add more offensive line help with a guard who could backup both guards and give the team someone for the long term of their team. He likely won’t see any time this year unless injuries are overwhelming. A kicker could also be drafted.
So what do you think about our 7 Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft?
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