Matt Miller always provides interesting, in-depth information throughout the NFL Draft season. This morning he is out with his Scouting Notebook that includes an NFL Mock Draft and some confirmation information about the Cleveland Browns. Some would call it breaking, for us it confirms much of what we thought with what he has heard. Click here for his entire post, which is worth the read, in a new window.
First, before we get to the fun nuggets, we will start with his NFL Mock Draft for the Browns:
"12ClevelandNT Danny Shelton, Washington"
Perfect start. Shelton gives the Browns everything they need in the middle of their defensive line. Shelton is obviously visiting the Browns and Miller is hearing they have interest in him. Shelton could fall on Draft Day but the Browns could prioritize him over missing and “having” to draft Eddie Goldman or Jordan Phillips. Both could be great options though.
"19ClevelandTE Maxx Williams, Minnesota"
Probably not the pick that Browns fans want, most want a WR, but the one that makes the most sense. Forget that the team signed Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, tight end is far more valuable in the Browns system than WR. Williams can stretch the field, be a good outlet receiver for the QB and has enough functional strength to help in the blocking game.
Miller has four receivers off the board before 19, and the big 3 WRs off the board before 12. He has no others drafted in the 1st round so the Browns could get one early in the second.
Except that some of his juicy Browns notes, that he is hearing, could make everything moot:
"— One team that may be interested in a move up is the Cleveland Browns. I’m told by a source within Cleveland that they love quarterback Marcus Mariota and rank him higher than any quarterback from the 2014 draft class. My source expects the Browns to be players if the Titans do shop the pick."
We should not be shocked by this. Some of you will be unhappy but not shocked. Hopefully this helps you: GM Ray Farmer values draft picks and is not going to just give them away. While the Browns could make a deal up to #2, Farmer could be very creative. Maybe he trades 12, the Browns 2nd rounder, their extra 4th and something next year (say a second). The Browns keep 19 and next year’s first.
Not saying that will happen but just know that Farmer values picks as much as any GM. He won’t go Sonny Weaver on us.
Miller has even more for us on Browns notes:
"— One more note on the Browns: cornerback Quandre Diggs had a visit with the team this week as they look to add depth to the secondary. Diggs is a slot cornerback who could be brought in to replace Buster Skrine."
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One thing we think we can bank on as long as Mike Pettine is the coach: He will push for more defensive back help. Miller doesn’t note where Diggs might get drafted but we would not be shocked to see the Browns draft another corner and another safety this year. Having options in the defensive backfield will be a key for Pettine. Drafting another corner would not be a statement about Justin Gilbert.
So, while his NFL Mock Draft is one that we could get behind with Shelton and Williams, it could be all for naught as the Browns move up to get Mariota. If Farmer can keep either 19 or 43, the team could continue their upgrade with the guy at QB that they think they will build their team around.
What do you think of Matt’s NFL Mock Draft and notes about the Browns?