Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) in a huddle during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday we gave you the Cleveland Browns 2 Round NFL Mock Draft that had the team building the defense. We based that Mock on how the Browns have acted with GM Ray Farmer and HC Mike Pettine at the helm. They have shown in both last year’s NFL Draft and free agency that defense and the run game are vital to them.
However, with only one year history to go on, it is very possible that Farmer and Pettine went after players that they felt were best for the team at the moment. We do not have enough information yet to know if it is a pattern. Last year the Browns focused on defense and the run game, only Johnny Manziel and Andrew Hawkins were brought in with big/high resources to help the passing attack.
So maybe this year the Browns attack the NFL Draft and free agency with urgency towards the offensive side of the ball. The interesting thing is that the Browns have a ton of the positions on that side already answered. They have at least 4 of their 5 offensive linemen that will start next year in Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz. Many Browns fans do not love Schwartz but, as we have noted in the past, he grades out well at right tackle and has started there through 3 regime changes. Michael Bowie, who we profiled as a Man of Mystery, also is likely to play a big role along with John Greco for that 5th spot. The Browns also love all 3 of their young running backs (Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West and Glenn Winston). Hawkins is a great slot receiver and Taylor Gabriel plays well on the outside, even though his size makes many think he is a slot guy.
So that leaves the Browns with needs at the quarterback, tight end, at least one wide receiver and a fullback. In this Two Round NFL Mock Draft we are able to answer three out of the four needs the team has, and still have 7 picks left to get a fullback and another receiver, as well as help with depth on the offensive line and add more to the defense.
Next: A Quarterback Falls to #12
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
A pick that we believe will be more and more possible as the NFL Draft draws closer is the Browns selection of Marcus Mariota. Mariota is not a finished product, is coming out of a system that is not pro style and has some work to do on his game. With the demand on coaches to win right away or get fired, QBs who need a year to develop have been pushed down the board recently while QBs who have a low ceiling but can start right away have been bumped up. Even recently an article that was scouting Brett Hundley, great article that you can read here, wrote this:
"The separation between Hundley and Marcus Mariota is not as big as some believe, and may be flip-flopped by draft time."
Our prediction of Mariota falling seems more and more likely as time goes on. That leaves him falling to the Browns here at #12 and Farmer and Pettine get the QB that many believe they wanted last year. Mariota seems like the best chance for the Browns to find their QB of the Future, even though they say it is too early to give up on Manziel. With Manziel they have no idea what they will get but if both Manziel and Mariota find their way the Browns could have a strong trade asset in a year.
Mariota has the ability to get outside the pocket, has a frame that will get bigger as he ages and develops within a pro setting. Unlike Hundely, Mariota already has good to great accuracy and pocket presence, two of the most difficult things to develop at the NFL level. While he isn’t a perfect prospect, his raw base and work ethic will take him far if put in a good environment to grow. John DeFillipo has been a QB Coach for years and Mariota’s current mentor/trainer Kevin O’Connell will be the Browns QB Coach soon, they create a great environment for Mariota to develop.
The Browns are likely to seek a veteran QB this off-season, whether they sign Mariota or not. Whether it is Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett or another, a veteran presence starting next year in front of Manziel and/or Mariota is likely the best thing for the Browns and the development of the QB.
Next: Now For Mariota's Weapon at #19
Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) watches the scoreboard near the end of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-28. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
With the 19th pick in the NFL Draft the Browns could/should have some interesting options at the wide receiver position. We selected Devin Funchess for a number of reasons, even though he played for that school up north. For Mariota having big targets, with large catch radius’s, will be big for his development.
Funchess will play wide receiver at the next level, even though some think about him as a tight end. He played with terrible QB play in college and will take some time getting used to not getting setup over the middle by terrible passes. He has great size, 6’5″ 230 pounds, and good enough speed on the outside. With a burner like Gabriel on the other side and Hawkins running his crisp routes from the slot, Funchess provides the needed size/speed combo that is missing for the Browns. He also catches the ball with his hands, not his body, something many young receivers struggle with.
Funchess still has some development in his route running that will help take him to the next level. Joker Philips, unlike our previous WR coach who was with Josh Gordon when he was drinking, has shown an ability to help discipline receivers. The new and improved coaching staff, at least from our perspective, is huge for the Browns young players.
Want to see what kind of athlete Funchess is? Here you go:
Next: One More Weapon for Mariota at 43
Dec 27, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a pass for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Texas Bowl as Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Peter Westerhaus (18) defends at Reliant Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Here is where things would be very interesting for the Browns. The tight end position is relatively weak by most analyst’s reviews. That could push Maxx Williams into the later part of the 1st round or higher in the 2nd. With not a lot of high end competition Williams could be off the board early as he is almost universally considered the top TE talent in the draft.
Yet, with so much offensive and defensive line depth as well as a similar lengthy depth of wide receiver talent, Williams could get passed over simply based on grades allowing him to slip to the middle of the 2nd round and to the Browns. Williams is a 6’4″ 250 pound player who also played with some limited QBs in the Big 10 in college. He will likely be a match-up nightmare as a big player who also has a ton of speed for his size. Just the kind of tight end that has taken over the NFL.
For the Browns Williams will help fill the role that Jordan Cameron played. Neither are the greatest blockers but Williams enthusiasm will help in that area. Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge helped the Browns as blocking tight ends and either/both could be back next year. Williams is another weapon for Mariota’s future. A big player with good hands and catch radius. With the size/speed combinations of Funchess and Williams, along with Gabriel’s speed and Hawkins quickness, the Browns passing attack would open up, big time.
Next: What Would This 2 Round Mock Mean for the Team?
Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine celebrates a 4th quarter touchdown with wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18), wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) and quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns beat the Raiders 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
While yesterday we gave you the defensive minded 2 Round NFL Mock, one in which the Browns defense was upgraded to the point of being a Top 5 type in most categories, today is about offense. While Mariota would likely start the season sitting on the bench, Funchess and Williams would likely enter the starting lineup right away. The Browns already solid offensive line, barring injuries, and good, young running game will have compliments.
Whoever started at QB would be given time to throw off of play action passing, the Browns will be a run first team under Farmer and Pettine. Yet, unlike last year, that QB will have some big targets to hit when he looks to throw. That will allow for a ton of forgiveness for those throws. Some of Hoyer’s INTs last year would not have been if he would have had this receiving group. (Likely true if he would have had Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron all year.)
The big players also should help in the run game as blockers. Both Funchess and Williams have the frames and feet to be good down the field blockers which could help spring the backs for even longer gains. Having Williams and Funchess in the redzone would be great weapons. Hawkins runs amazing routes, similar to Wes Welker and Julian Edelman in New England, in the redzone but having big players that can go up and get the ball gives the other threats on fades and quick slant routes. Both Funchess and Williams can use their bodies to shield away defenders. Turning last year’s redzone field goals into touchdowns may have meant a playoff birth.
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Then we have Marcus Mariota, again this writer’s favorite in all NFL Mock Draft posts. Mariota hopefully will get a chance to sit and develop but if not would have a great surrounding cast to work with. His offensive line will keep him clean, no worries of a David Carr like battering, while his running game will keep the pressure off of him to try to win games. Much like Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson, the Browns can bring along their young QB by only having him throw 20 or less times a game.
With Funchess, Gabriel, Hawkins and Williams providing Mariota with every type of skill needed in pass catchers, size, speed, quickness, route running and hands, Mariota’s job will be much easier. When he does have to throw he can hit Funchess on the outside, either back shoulder or high pointed balls, Williams over the middle shielding away a defender, Hawkins on a precise, quick route or Gabriel over the top with a deep bomb. All of that off of the Browns quality play action passing game.
Talk about a rookie’s dream while the team would still have 7 more picks to get depth to the offensive line as well as add some much needed pieces to the defense, starting with the worst run defense in the league.
What do you think of this NFL Mock Draft in which the Browns get their QB and him some weapons?