May 9, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) and Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) are introduced to the media with head coach Mike Pettine (left) and general Manager Ray Farmer (left) at the Cleveland Browns Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns Draft could be a very unique one. One that could divide fans greatly as many believe strongly in what they believe the team should or will do. Because of that many fans, including this writer, has ranked players, at least in their head, that they would want the team to draft with the 12th pick.
Instead of keeping them in my head, where they seem to swim around, change positions and lack structure, decided to put them down “on paper.” A few caveats are important before we get to the list and description:
- These are my rankings for the Browns not ranking these players based on talent or grade.
- They are just mine.
- They are subject to change as we head to the draft.
- Unlikely anything that happens in Free Agency was going to impact our thoughts about the Browns 1st round picks.
- Still true today, nothing they could do in Free Agency will greatly impact these thoughts.
- Players were selected based on those we think there is a chance they could make it to #12.
- Leonard Williams and Jameis Winston are two players we assume will not be there.
- Obviously some of these players won’t be around by #12 but could be.
- Depth (who could be available at 19 and 2nd round) may play a role in our thoughts at 12.
- Sports are supposed to be fun so we focus on the enjoyment of them.
- You will disagree with some or all of these.
Either in the comment section or on social media, we would love to hear from you. Hopefully you enjoy our rankings and it spurns you into thought, that is often our biggest goal on here. Information and provoking thought are foundational for us here at DPD.
Now on to our rankings:
Next: #1
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
If Marcus Mariota falls all the way to #12 the Browns should pounce. While Mariota is not a “generational” talent he has the foundation to be a good to great quarterback. In the NFL you won’t get anywhere without a quarterback. Based on his short time on the field, issues off the field and rumors he either won’t play next year or wants to be traded, Johnny Manziel isn’t someone the team can count on.
With Josh McCown likely to start next year, Mariota gets the time to develop his pocket presence and understanding of the NFL. Those are the two biggest concerns that fans and analysts have about him. He has the physical size, throwing motion and work ethic that all good quarterbacks have. If he gets time to develop with Kevin O’Connell and John DeFilippo, Mariota should be ready to go starting the 2016 season and be the Browns starting QB for 10 to 15 years barring injuries.
Most Browns fans agree that the team should take him at 12, some do not. If he falls past 6, we wouldn’t be shocked to see the Browns use some of their extra picks, or ’16 picks, to make a small move up to get him. Not an RG3 type trade, but a trade to make sure they get their guy.
Next: #2
Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) catches a touchdown pass defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Jay Hughes (3) in the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns are in obvious need of a #1 wide receiver. Amari Cooper was seen as the top receiver in this draft all of the college season but has since been passed by Kevin White according to most analysts. By the time the draft comes around we wouldn’t be shocked if Devante Parker also passes him.
The Browns are a run first offense so having a player like Cooper, who can run all the routes, block in the run game and make plays deep is key. Cooper’s hands are stellar, something the Browns value more than height or speed. With great routes, great hands and the ability to high point the ball, Coach Flip can put Cooper anywhere on the field to try to take advantage of match-ups.
The wide receiver group is deep again in this draft, which could lead the Browns to wait to get their guy until 19 or the second round. Because the Browns are so run oriented, a stud #1 may not be as important to the team’s building philosophy.
Next: #3
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) looks on before the game against the USC Trojans in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Another player that is not likely to be at 12 but, based on his small frame and the talent level in this draft, could fall. The Browns tried to sign Trent Cole to fill their pass rushing needs and have not found anyone to replace Jabaal Sheard in their OLB rotation. Gregory could clearly do that.
Gregory is considered one of the best pass rushers in this year’s draft. His size will give some concern but with Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo, Mike Pettine can deploy him in ways that doesn’t cause as many issues. If he can get 8 to 10 sacks in his rookie year it will be well worth it for the Browns.
While most don’t see pass rusher as the team’s biggest needs, Pettine’s defense is based on solid secondary play and the ability to get pressure with as few rushers as possible. Gregory will have to get bigger to play in the AFC North but will get by for a year as purely a pass rusher. There may be some pass rushers available at 19, including possibly Shane Ray, where we could see this need being met. Shaq Thompson, a player who can play inside, outside and safety, also seems like a Pettine kind of player.
Next: #4 & 5
Dec 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Most have White over Parker, as do we. Both can give the Browns a #1 guy at wide receiver even with Dwayne Bowe coming in today. Kevin White has been compared to Larry Fitzgerald in his prime but might be faster and stronger than that. White is the most likely one to be off the board by 12 of all 3 of the top receivers.
Devante Parker is an interesting prospect to judge. He played great with Teddy Bridgewater but then this year had issues with his foot that caused him to miss some games. Feet injuries are very concerning but Parker played well after returning. He has the size/speed combo that teams love.
With the depth at the position in the draft, including Dorial Green-Beckham, Breshad Perriman, Devin Smith and others, the Browns could look till later to add some speed to their team.
Next: #6
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Outside of the quarterback position, we believe that the Browns run defense, specifically the nose tackle position, is the Browns biggest need. Danny Shelton would fill that need. Shelton is a big bodied, power guy who can also move his feet. He would help fill a solid rotation for the Browns now that Randy Starks has been added. John Hughes returning from injury will also be important.
Shelton is not higher on this list for two reasons: 1) there are some quality nose tackles that will be available later in the draft and 2) nose tackle is generally a 2 down player which lowers Shelton’s value. Not everyone is high on Shelton based on his scheme limitations, weight issues and lack of consistent effort on film.
In the AFC North, the Browns really need to stop the run and drafting Shelton, even if it is higher than he should be drafted, makes some sense for the team.
Next: #7
Sep 27, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) warms up before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 23-0. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Malcom Brown is not the stout nose tackle type but would be a huge upgrade on the defensive line. He can play inside or out in odd man fronts and provide penetration in even man fronts. His best position is as a 3 technique player where he can penetrate as well as bottle up the run game.
Brown is a player that could rise based on his ability to play in multiple schemes or could drop based on his limited film. The Browns have made it clear that their defense will be their calling card so taking two defensive players shouldn’t shock Browns fans. Brown may be available at #19 as well.
Adding a pass rusher and a defensive lineman in the 1st round could help create a Top 5 level defense to go along with their run oriented offense. While the NFL has become more and more a passing league, defense has consistently led winners who have a QB in place. The Browns do not have their QB but could have the defense.
Next: #8
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?
