NFL Mock Draft: Marcus Mariota Falls to 12

The Cleveland Browns have two 1st round picks in the NFL Draft. NFL Mock Drafts are coming fast and furious and it seems many are struggling to find a spot for Marcus Mariota. If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass on him at the top most have him falling to the New York Jets. The Jets new head coach, Todd Bowles, is a defensive minded guy and may want to upgrade the defense or offensive line more so.

That could leave Mariota to the St. Louis Rams at 10 or the Philadelphia Eagles trading up. If neither of those things happen, or the Browns trade up to #9 (a reasonable trade possibly costing a 3rd rounder), Mariota could fall into the Browns lap.

In this NFL Mock Draft, by Michael Schottey who is a great follow on Twitter, has Mariota falling to #12 and the Browns selecting him. With the news today that linked Mariota and the Browns, this pick becomes an even more interesting selection:

"12. Cleveland Browns—Marcus Mariota (QB Oregon)This isn’t quite nightmare scenario territory for Mariota, but it’s the worst case that is relatively likely at this moment. There just aren’t a lot of teams at the top of the draft that are absolutely starved for a rookie passer, although he could easily land in Tennessee, St. Louis or with the New York Jets if he doesn’t go No. 1.Here, the Cleveland Browns get a guy with similar on-the-field questions as Manziel because of his college scheme but absolutely none of the off-field woes. Right now, that may be a dream scenario for them."

This is a lot of what we have been saying about Mariota. He has some similar concerns related to being called “a system QB” which has created concerns for Browns fans when we bring up Mariota. On the other hand Mariota has great size, showed well in the pocket and has a high level work ethic. None of those things were attributed to Manziel at any point.

Getting their QB of the future without trading up would be a huge thing for the Browns. Mariota likely needs some time to develop, sitting a full year would be optimal, which will still lead the Browns to signing a veteran. The Browns still have other needs to fill including at receiver, nose tackle and offensive tackle. The Browns would have 9 other picks to fill those needs including the 19th pick:

"19. Cleveland Browns (From BUF)—T.J. Clemmings (OT Pittsburgh)The Cleveland Browns defense is already becoming a force to be reckoned with under head coach Mike Pettine, so doubling up on offensive first-rounders shouldn’t be much of an issue. They’ve got a quarterback with their first pick, so the second pick should do a better job protecting him. With fantastic players at just about every other spot on the line, that gaping hole at right tackle should get filled awfully quick.Clemmings is more prospect than player at the moment with a heavy basketball background and plenty of sloppy tape. Yet, he improved seemingly every game and has all the size, length, athleticism and strength to project as a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle."

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Schottey takes care of the Browns right tackle with a high upside with T.J. Clemmings. He could move to the left in the future if Joe Thomas slows down ever. Clemmings is seen a developmental player, he could even start off at guard as he gets up to speed in the NFL. Yet his feet and size projects great at tackle if he can be developed well. If Joel Bitonio gives an example, the Browns ability to develop young linemen is pretty good.

Unfortunately Schottey’s NFL Mock Draft doesn’t give the Browns a receiver or a nose tackle, two of the biggest needs on the team. Thankfully there is depth at both positions that could help the Browns. The Browns also could address both positions in free agency, as there are quite a few available at both of those positions.

What do you think about this NFL Mock Draft that has Marcus Mariota falling to the Browns?

Next: Marcus Mariota Linked to the Browns

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