NFL Mock Drafts are now becoming more involved with the rumors people are hearing. The Cleveland Browns have been linked to a number of players but the noise that they are in on Marcus Mariota keeps getting louder. Yesterday we noted that the Browns were thinking about trading both 1st round picks to move up for Mariota.
Based on a number of factors it is possible that Mariota falls down to the Browns at the 12th pick. If he starts to fall we wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns sacrifice a 3rd or 4th round pick, or more, to make sure they get him. Matt “NFL Draft Scout” Miller has a new NFL Mock Draft out today and he has Mariota falling to 12, he doesn’t project trades. He also has the perfect pick at 19 for the Browns.
If these are the Browns first round picks, and they add on of the many WRs that should be available in the 2nd round, this writer will lead the cheers:
"12ClevelandQB Marcus Mariota, Oregon19ClevelandNT Danny Shelton, Washington"
Those that have followed DPD for long time know that these are this writers two favorite players. Most/many of you may not believe that either will fall as far as this. Obviously it only takes one team but most teams have reasons to pass on Mariota: Titans (system, Mettenberger), Washington (RG3, Win now for Jay Gruden), Jets (Geno Smith, Build defense/run game), Bears (Cutler, other needs) and Rams (Nick Foles trade).
Shelton is a player that we have pumped up as an important, great player. That is because of what he would do for the Browns. The Browns have depth on the defensive line and linebacking corp. Adding Shelton would make a huge impact and make the rest of the defense much, much better. He is not as likely to impact other teams as much. We could see him falling even farther on Draft Day but we hope the Browns snatch him up.
Miller had one extra note, that also doesn’t surprise us, that the Browns are not high on drafting a right tackle:
"— The Cleveland Browns have been linked to right tackles throughout the draft process, but when I asked a high-ranking scout with the team how they viewed the position, he said it “isn’t a priority” for the team in this draft."
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The Browns like Mitchell Schwartz and Michael Bowie and John Greco was great at right guard last year. Depth behind Alex Mack and Schwartz is important because both could be gone next year. Drafting a right tackle early though doesn’t make sense. A lot of good options in rounds after. We would draft one starting in the 3rd round after Mariota, Shelton and a receiver like Devin Smith, etc.
What do you think of this NFL Mock Draft? Would you do backflips like this writer if this comes to pass?