Feb 19, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-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. Earlier today we gave you what I (New Window), Jared Mueller, would do if I were drafting for the Cleveland Browns. I did not use FanSpeak, though I really enjoy having that tool at our disposal, but just looked 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.
This NFL Mock Draft is what we think the Browns will do, given all the information we have. We will use what we know GM Ray Farmer and HC Mike Pettine value, have done in the past, what they seemed focused on in Free Agency and needs we believe they see to make our decisions.
Based on all of that we believe the Browns would likely select Marcus Mariota if he would fall to them in the 1st round, or with a small trade up. We think they will continue to focus on their defense as well as prepare for the future with their picks. While most don’t think signing Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline takes them out of the running for an early WR, we think it will help break ties in their War Room.
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
Nov 22, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender Randy Gregory (4) sacks Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
This is a tough one as Randy Gregory is the best pass rusher on the board, something the team tried to fill with Trent Cole in free agency, but has the marijuana issue. Gregory is going to get a chance early, highly likely in the 1st round, and could be the next dominate pass rusher in the league. Should the Browns allow Josh Gordon and Johnny Manziel to control this decision? If those two were on other teams would it impact them?
Gregory can get after the passer as a pure 3-4 OLB. The Browns, with Pettine’s creative defense, can find ways to get him, Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo on the field together on passing downs. Gregory needs to put on a little weight and strength but is much more developed than Mingo was coming out. The Browns have made getting to the passer a high priority and Gregory would help do that, even if we have to cross our fingers a bit.
Other options: Marcus Mariota (likely off the board), Amari Cooper, Devante Parker, Danny Shelton
Cameron Erving addresses the Browns offense but not a skilled position player. Erving played left tackle for the Seminoles before moving inside for the team to help at center. His versatility is huge for the Browns. Erving could compete at right guard or tackle this year but will likely start out as depth. Next year is where Erving will be a big deal. Alex Mack, John Greco and Mitchell Schwartz can all be free agents so the team has to prepare, especially if Mack leaves.
While Erving is not a stud receiver or tight end, he would provide the Browns with great depth so the fall off due to an injury was far less than last year. Erving has the size, speed and hands to excel in the Zone Blocking Scheme. He is by far the best center in the Draft and is not likely to make it out of the 1st round.
Other options: Maxx Williams, Breshad Perriman, Devin Smith, Shaq Thompson
Next: 2nd Round Weapon or more Defense?
Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) celebrates a turnover against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns still have a big hole at the nose tackle position and need to fill it to improve their last place run defense. Jordan Phillips is a huge player that could be a steal, or bust, in the 2nd round. Phillips, the dancing bear, stands at 6’5″, 329 pounds. At the Combine he ran an amazing 5.17 forty yard dash and had a great showing in bench press and the other athletic measurements.
Phillips didn’t always show constant effort in college but for the Browns he would be a two down player. If Phillips, with his combination size, length, strength and quickness can take attention in the run game, the rest of the front 7 can make plays. Phillips is tall for a nose tackle but he plays with good enough leverage to make up for it. With the way defensive linemen go off the board early, we wouldn’t be shocked to see this big guy a few picks before 43.
The Browns once again do not address either tight end or receiver but make a huge improvement to their defense. Phillips and Gregory could catapult them into the Top 5 on that side of the ball.
Other options: Dorial Green-Beckham, Maxx Williams, Devin Smith, Devin Funchess, Nelson Agholor, Benardrick McKinney
Next: Weapons in the 3rd and 4th?
Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) runs past Florida State Seminoles defensive end Chris Casher (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns tried to retain Jordan Cameron and tried to make a move for Charles Clay in free agency. They failed at both and still have a hole at the tight end position. Clive Walford is considered the 2nd best tight end in a pretty mediocre class. Walford has the size, speed and length to develop into a good “move” tight end but enough strength to block as well in the Browns running game.
His size makes Walford someone the Browns will be most interested in. With Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel and Brian Hartline as options inside, having a hulking tight end makes a lot of sense. The Browns could address receiver here as well but Walford slides here due to some concerns about his hands and effort.
Other options: Tevin Coleman, Ameer Abdullah, Josh Shaw, Jeff Heuerman
The Browns finally address their receiver needs here with Coates. Coates is an all tools guy who hasn’t put it all together on the field. He is huge, runs fast but struggles with route running and catching the football. Two of the most important things for the receiver position. There were similar concerns with Kelvin Benjamin, though not as damaging, but his size kept him high up in the draft.
With the depth at the receiver position in this draft and the concerns he presents, we would not be shocked to see Coates fall to early in the 4th, or low in the 3rd.
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 Randy Gregory, Jordan Phillips and Senquez Golson we have players who will be able to immediately step in and make an impact on defense. Phillips will help get the Browns into long 3rd downs and Gregory will feast at that point to get the offense the ball.
Offensively Cameron Erving, Clive Walford and Sammie Coates are high upside, long term plays for the team. Erving can start right away and keeps us sane if a OL start goes down. Walford can start but needs some time to develop at the tight end position but would be a threat right away as a rookie. Coates is a true boom or bust type of receiver that won’t be forced into playing right away. The Browns could use him for some 9 routes (streak/go patterns) but he will get time to develop, which many young players need.
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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.
Don’t forget to checkout what I picked for the Browns in my 4 Rounder earlier today (New Window).
What are your thoughts on what we think the Browns will do in this 4 Round NFL Mock Draft?