Browns Draft: My Current Rankings for Pick #12
Nov 1, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) carries in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
With our last guy for the #12 pick we go with a surprising player that has not been linked to the Browns. Shaq Thompson is a unique linebacker that could be available after being an assumed Top 10 pick earlier in the off-season. Thompson had some wondering if he would play running back, safety or linebacker in the NFL. He has made it clear that he is linebacker but his versatility will draw the attention of Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer.
For the Browns, Thompson could play outside rushing the passer, inside stopping the run and in pass coverage or could even be the Browns third safety. Last year Pettine used Jim Leonhard in that role but the versatile Thompson could be perfect for the flexibility that Pettine likes to have. Adalius Thomas played a similar role for Baltimore and New England as was key to their creative defenses.
While Thompson is a little small to play next to 2nd year guy Christian Kirksey, the two of them provide key foundation pieces for the Browns linebacking corp. If Mingo can show some improvement, that corp could be great for years to come. A downhill, thumper ILB to replace Karlos Dansby down the road is easier to find and unlikely to be selected in the 1st round.
What do you think of our ranking of these 8 players for the Browns Draft at the 12th pick?