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NFL Mock Draft: Matt Miller’s Post Combine Browns 2 Rounder

By Jared Mueller

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With the NFL Combine over the next time major changes will be made to any NFL Mock Draft will come after NFL Free Agency. Matt “Mr. NFL Draft Scout” Miller has his post Combine NFL Mock Draft out for us to enjoy, pick apart and critique. While many fans like to criticize people’s Mocks, understand that it takes a lot of time and energy to not only select who you think could/should be drafted but also to write up an explanation for each pick.

Miller does this for every first round pick, much more than most NFL Mock Drafts you will see, and gives us a bonus 2nd Round.

Now on to his NFL Mock Draft from Bleacher Report and how he tries to upgrade the Cleveland Browns:

"The Pick: Defensive Tackle Malcom Brown, TexasThe Cleveland Browns just miss out on the big three at wide receiver, but general manager Ray Farmer passed on wide receivers last year when it was an obvious need. It’s more likely the No. 19 pick—added in a draft-day trade with Buffalo last year—is used on the receiver.With pick No. 12, the Browns are in a good position to beef up the defensive line. Phil Taylor had a nice career for a short time, but he’s not a long-term plan at nose tackle. Malcom Brown can be with his 6’2″, 319-pound frame and surprising quickness and burst from the 0-technique position. He can also bump down and play a shade technique if needed in a four-man front."

With Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker off the board at wide receiver and Danny Shelton off the board on the defensive line, Miller gives the Browns a Brown. Malcom Brown is a big, tough rugged player that can play the role of nose tackle in the Browns 3-4. He has the size to anchor against the run but enough speed to create penetration against the pass.

The Browns have struggled finding someone who can do both of those things. Taylor, who Miller mentions, doesn’t put effort in to holding the point of attack. Instead he always wants to penetrate. That makes him more suited for either an even front or to play outside of Brown, but not as a nose tackle on running downs.

Selecting Brown, Miller has the Browns passing on pass rushers Vic Beasley and Bud Dupree while also passing on La’El Collins and Dorial Green-Beckham on the offensive side of the ball. Many analysts believe that nose tackle is the biggest need for the Browns and Miller has them filling it here at #12.

"The Pick: Wide Receiver Jaelen Strong, Arizona StateJaelen Strong was not a good fit for the Kansas City Chiefs at pick No. 18, but he’s an ideal fit for the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 19. That’s because he’s a deep threat with limited yards-after-catch skill underneath. The Chiefs want to dink-and-dunk; the Browns want to hit home runs. Strong is a home run hitter.Strong has the size (6’2″, 217 lbs) and speed (4.44) to take the top off the defense. He’s a little stiff in his stem (where his route breaks) at times, but is enough of a straight-line guy to burn past defenders and then attack the ball in the air downfield."

Something about Miller’s statements about Strong gives me the eerie feeling of Greg Little 2.0. Obviously they are completely different players and Strong should be seen as a strong candidate for the Browns. Something about how Miller describes Strong’s limited ability for yards after catch is concerning. The Browns, looking for a #1 type receiver, may not be interested in a player who only is a deep threat. Devin Smith from OSU also could provide that for the team.

On the other hand, Strong’s measureables are clearly impressive. He has the size/speed combination that allows players to win on the outside that few possess. With the Draft falling the way it did, with the Top three receivers off the board before #12, the Browns could find themselves reaching here. That is something we do not expect GM Ray Farmer to do, especially at the wide receiver position.

While Strong might be the next best receiver in the Draft at this point #19 seems a little high. Among the players that Miller has the Browns passing on: LB Shaq Thompson (could play inside or out in the 3-4), Arik Armstead (massive, perfect 3-4 DE), Eli Harold (pure pass rusher) and a number of offensive linemen. Miller does have the Browns filling two of their biggest needs in the first round which makes his 2nd Round pick almost a bonus:

"11ClevelandTE Maxx WilliamsMinnesota"

Here we don’t know what Miller was thinking but clearly he sees a need for the Browns to upgrade the offense. So we have to play a little “What was Matt thinking?” game.

"“The Browns addressed their outside threat at #19 with Strong but still need to replace Jordan Cameron, or compliment him if he does return. While Williams didn’t test off the charts at the Combine, he showed why many like him at the end of the 1st round or early in the second. With Strong on the outside and Williams joining Andrew Hawkins on the inside the Browns will have decent weapons for whoever they bring in to play quarterback. Brett Hundley doesn’t grade out here but wouldn’t shock me if the Browns took him in the 2nd while they could also look at another defensive lineman or an inside linebacker.”"

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Since we are guessing what Miller was thinking there, we also agree with him. Williams and a top flight receiver would upgrade the offense and are the biggest needs after addressing the nose tackle position. If the Browns can get one of the Top 3 receivers at #12 and then address the nose at #19, Williams in the 2nd round would be amazing.

As it is Miller does a good job of upgrading the Browns in his 2 Round NFL Mock Draft.

What do you think about this NFL Mock Draft? What would you change?

Next: Three Browns Targets That Impressed at the Combine

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