Todd McShay’s NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Browns Go Big
Todd McShay provides some interesting balance to ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage. With Mel Kiper, and that hair, firmly entrenched as the face of the Draft, McShay provides a different voice. Literally on TV his voice carries a little something different but figuratively his thinking, ratings and way of processing helps balance out Kiper’s.
Today McShay came out with his NFL Mock Draft 4.0. He has moved Marcus Mariota up to #2 but doesn’t seem to keen on him actually going there or to the Titans. He has the Top 3 wide receivers off the board in the first 10 picks and all but one of the big time pass rushers, Vic Beasley is left, gone early as well.
So what does McShay have for the Browns in his McDraft 4.0?
"12 Danny Shelton Cleveland Browns (7-9) COLLEGE: Washington Class: Sr HT: 6-2 WT: 339 POS: DTAnalysis: Outside of quarterback, which the Browns aren’t going to be able to address here in this scenario, the team’s biggest needs are at wide receiver, right tackle and nose tackle. Shelton is the No. 9 player on our board, so he’s a value here, and there are good receiver and right tackle prospects to be had with the Browns’ No. 19 pick. You always have to worry about consistency with a player Shelton’s size (6-2, 339 pounds), but he has the potential to be a dominant force against the run and double-team magnet in the middle of Cleveland’s defensive front. He can also push the pocket as a pass-rusher."
Obviously I am sold. Shelton may not be the huge number impact guy like an outside pass rusher but he will help greatly. He will help slow down the run game which will give pass rushers more chances at the QB. 3rd and long was not often seen last year. Shelton slowing teams on 1st and 2nd down will open up Mike Pettine’s play book.
McShay has the Browns passing on Beasley, Breshad Perriman, Dorial Green-Beckham and Cameron Erving to select the big nose tackle. Does McShay go big again, more defense or does he address the offensive needs at 19?
"19 Ereck Flowers Cleveland Browns (7-9) COLLEGE: Miami (FL) Class: Jr HT: 6-6 WT: 329 POS: OT"
"Analysis: With Danny Shelton going to them at No. 12, I think this pick would come down to a wide receiver or offensive tackle. Flowers is a tough player with very good intangibles who takes well to coaching. He has a massive frame, is effective as a pass protector and a run blocker, and could fit in at right tackle opposite Joe Thomas or at guard."
If you have been reading along with us for sometime you will know that we actually like the Browns offensive line a lot more than most. Yet we also think the Browns could address the position somewhat early since Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz can be free agents after the year. Flowers is an interesting pick. He has the size and feet to really excel for the Browns. He would have a tough time winning a starting job in year one but would likely be an answer next year.
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McShay has the Browns passing on Andrus Peat, Arik Armstead, Malcom Brown, Bud Dupree and Jaelen Strong with this pick. A few receivers, Devin Smith, Nelson Agholor and others, are still on the board. Few if any OLB pass rush demons look to have fallen in McShay’s draft.
What do you think about how Todd McShay’s NFL Mock Draft upgrading the Browns?