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 beauty of all NFL Mock Draft posts is that no one really knows what is going to happen. We may have some ideas of what we think might happen but every year many of our expectations, especially after the Top 5 are proven wrong. Players get drafted higher than expected and we call it a reach. Players get drafted lower than expected and we call it a steal.
Today we will have at least two 4 Round NFL Mock Draft posts for you. This one is what I, Jared Mueller, would do if I were drafting for the Cleveland Browns. I will not be using FanSpeak, though I really enjoy having that tool at our disposal, but just looking at what I think could happen and where I would select players. I will give options, since I can already hear “that is a reach” and “NO WAY he falls that far” coming from some of you.
First let me give you my assessed team needs, in order of importance: QB, NT, OLB, TE, WR, OL, ILB, FS, CB. Important to note that I also do not believe in need based drafting. Needs get filtered in to my Best Grade Available belief. For example a corner with a 95 evaluation grade might get skipped to draft a receiver with a 93 evaluation grade.
I look forward to your feedback and thoughts in the comment section or on social media.
Given all that here we go:
Next: 1st Round Picks
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) 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
It is still very possible that Danny Shelton will fall even farther down in the real NFL Draft. The Browns may have a chance to get him at #19, we have seen it recently in a number of other Mocks. Based on how important I think stopping the run is, Shelton needed to be the pick. While he is only a 2 down player, for the Browns that is huge. They were last in the league in run defense. Shelton will allow them to get into some creative 3rd down blitz packages more often.
Other options: Marcus Mariota (likely off the board), Amari Cooper, Devante Parker, Randy Gregory
It would really upset Browns fans but I would have the Browns go with two defensive players with their first two picks, if the Draft falls the way I think it might. That doesn’t mean I would be against a WR or TE in either of these spots. Based on what I think could happen, these are the best two picks.
Shaq Thompson joins his former Huskies teammate in Cleveland in this scenario. Thompson can play all over the field and give the Browns a chance to rush the passer, play in coverage and even stop the run. Mike Pettine will love his versatility as we compare him to former Raven and Patriot Adalius Thomas. When Shelton comes off the field, Shaq would come on to pair with Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo, Armonty Bryant and others as a pass rushing force.
Other options: Maxx Williams, Breshad Perriman, Devin Smith, Cameron Erving
Next: Any Offense in the 2nd Round?
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns have an obvious need for a long term, big time receiver. Many will say that Devin Smith is not that guy but I would disagree. The Browns, if Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine are actually allowed to stick it out for 4 or 5 years, are going to be a run first team. A player like Smith can take the top off the defense, block in the run game and has a lot of upside in his routes.
While a huge, prototype sized #1 would be nice, for the Browns that type of player is not as necessary and may get frustrated with their role on the team. Smith shows the ability to beat defenders deep, stack them and haul in contested catches. His ability to get off of jams is surprisingly good for a smaller guy and with the Browns he will get time to develop. Smith can also play from the slot some, tearing up the seams of the defense as well.
Smith is closer to a finished product with a high floor while others, at 19 or 43, may have higher ceilings but much lower floors.
Other options: Dorial Green-Beckham, Clive Walford, Devin Funchess, Nelson Agholor, Benardrick McKinney
Next: A Variety in the 3rd and 4th Rounds?
Jul 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats offensive lineman B.J. Finney speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Day at the Omni Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns have a lot of options here in the 3rd round. B.J. Finney provides them the most flexibility and insurance for their offensive line. Alex Mack can be a free agent after the season and Finney can fill his role if need be. If not Finney is great insurance on the inside of the line, able to play both guard and center. As we saw last year, those positions are vital to the Browns success. Finney may not spark a lot of cheers but his talent and role would be important for the Browns short and long term.
Other options: Tevin Coleman, Ameer Abdullah, Josh Shaw, Sammie Coates
The Browns finally address their tight end need with Jeff Heuerman. Due to injury and system changes, the Buckeye was phased out a bit of the team’s passing attack. Yet, in the past two years, he has proven that he can be a great receiving tight end as well as in-line blocker. That versatility will be key for the Browns. Given their need, and the lack of depth in the draft, Heuerman could actually be the Browns 3rd round pick. Based on last year’s stats he may fall here.
Other options: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Grady Jarrett, Mike Davis, Tyler Lockett
The Browns add a Buster Skrine type player to their defensive backfield. Senquez Golson got a lot of attention from the team at the Senior Bowl and fits some of the style that the Browns like in the secondary. With Pettine on board we expect the team to draft a corner or free safety in every draft. With Justin Gilbert, Pierre Desir, K’Waun Williams and Robert Nelson going into their second years, they wait till now to fill the role. Golson could compete right away and help on special teams.
There you have it. We filled some needs, brought in some talented players and all and all improved the Cleveland Browns roster. With Danny Shelton, Shaq Thompson and Senquez Golson, the Browns defense has the added firepower to vault right near the top of the league. With Devin Smith, B.J. Finney and Jeff Heuerman, the Browns offense has added talent and depth that should help balance out the power of the team.
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Obviously we could have gone in a variety of other directions with some of the picks. We assume that many of you may have done so and have some strong ideas or feelings about these picks. We look forward to the discussions that will follow, realizing none of us know for sure what will happen in a month. We will continue to speculate, hope, think and plan for the NFL Draft. We hope you come along for the ride.
Look out later today for our 4 Round NFL Mock Draft of what we think the Browns will do.
What are your thoughts on Jared’s 4 Round Browns NFL Mock Draft?