NFL Mock Draft: CBS Sports Dual Mocks After Combine
With the NFL Combine over, NFL Mock Draft season is upon us. Yesterday we covered Matt “Mr. NFL Draft Scout” Miller’s 2 Rounder for the Cleveland Browns. Today we take a look at the dual NFL Mock Drafts from CBS Sports. Dane Brugler and Rob Rang give us an interesting interpretation on what they believe the Browns will do.
Today we will look at each of their NFL Mock Drafts separately and try to get an idea of what they think is best for the Browns, instead of comparing the two. Today we will start with Rang:
"12. Cleveland Browns — Louisville WR DeVante Parker: As the only team with two first-round picks, the Browns have a lot of flexibility and plenty of needs, maybe even at quarterback. Chief among Cleveland’s other concerns is wide receiver. Parker is a remarkably fluid athlete with great size (6-3, 209) and speed.19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo) — Texas DT Malcom Brown: The Browns were last in the NFL in run defense in 2014 and have allowed more than 2,000 rushing yards in 14 of the past 16 seasons — a recipe for disaster in the black-and-blue AFC North. The 6-4, 320-pound Brown is a stout run defender who would add bulk and strength to an otherwise undersized front."
Full disclosure: At this point, besides possibly getting Marcus Mariota, this is my favorite type of Mock for the Browns first round. There are three receivers that are considered a cut above the rest. The order now seems to be Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker. By the time the NFL Draft rolls around Parker could overcome Cooper for that 2nd spot. Based on last year’s results for rookie receivers it is possible all 3 are gone before the Browns pick at 12. If they are not, Rang makes a solid choice for the Browns.
Between the Browns pick at 12 and their second 1st rounder Rang has Eddie Goldman, Vic Beasley, Andrus Peat and T.J. Clemmings being picked that could have been considered at 12, or 19 if they fell. Instead he has the Browns attacking what is considered their biggest need at the nose tackle position with Brown.
Brown can play both the nose or the defensive end positions. Unlike the receiver spot, nose tackles are a little less valuable and a little less in demand. Danny Shelton is considered to be the top one at the position, Rang has him going 7th to the Chicago Bears. After that Goldman, Brown, Jordan Phillips and Carl Davis all fall somewhere between the 1st and 2nd round. Some believe Brown or Goldman could be the best of them long term. Where the NTs could fall gives the Browns some flexibility.
Coming out with a top flight receiver and a plug and play defensive lineman in the 1st round is great for the Browns and fits the narrative most of us have for the team. Does Brugler fall in line with that narrative? Not really:
"12. Cleveland Browns — Kentucky DE/OLB Bud Dupree: With the top three receivers off the board, the Browns’ draft radar turns to defense and Dupree, who can give the Browns a pass rush threat off the edge, replacing free agent Jabaal Sheard.19. Cleveland Browns (from BUF) — LSU OL La’el Collins: After going defense at pick No. 12, the Browns look to offense with this pick, addressing another weak spot for the Browns on the offensive line. It doesn’t always look pretty with Collins, but gets the job done and projects best at right tackle or guard."
And by not really we mean not at all. Fans would likely riot if these were the team’s first round picks but could they be the best? Dupree gives the Browns a pass rusher with extrodainary talent and speed. Much like Barkevious Mingo he is very raw but has tremendous upside. As Brugler noted all 3 of the top WRs were off the board in his Mock leaving him with interesting choices.
Between 12 and 19 the Browns lose out on Brandon Scherff, Arik Armstead, Malcom Brown, Andrus Peat and Breshad Perriman. So instead of Brugler having the Browns reach for a receiver (Dorial Green-Beckham, Jaelen Stron or WR/TE Devin Funchess) or the next best nose tackle, he has the Browns shore up one of the strengths of their team.
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Collins is considered a high level prospect. The Browns seem to like Mitchell Schwartz, and are intrigued by Michael Bowie, but could push either inside and start Collins at right tackle or have the rookie start inside like they did Joel Bitonio last year. One more dominate offensive lineman would put the unit over the top, as well as mean that all 5 are either 1st or 2nd round picks.
Brugler ignores what many believe are the Browns two biggest needs, WR and NT, after Rang answers both of those in the 1st round. Thankfully the Browns have 8 other picks, and free agency, to continue to build their team. Brugler goes against the current narrative but in the end could it be what is best for the team?
What do you think of their Dual NFL Mock Drafts?