2015 NFL Draft: 5 Bold Predictions For The Cleveland Browns

Paul Noel

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet and NFL shield logo before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL Draft is nearly upon us with less than a week to go. The Cleveland Browns once again sit in the driver’s seat to land two quality prospects in the draft with #12 and #19 overall picks. Now we can debate all day’s as to the ‘quality’ of the two first round picks from 2014, but that’s a discussion for another day. The Browns will have the ability to move up, down, or choose to stay put just outside the top ten of the draft. With such a short time remaining before the draft, this is when all the speculations and rumors begin to rear their heads and people begin to leak all types of information from ‘sources’ about what a team will do on draft day. The Browns have been at the heart of many of those rumors with links to nearly every team in the first five picks of the draft. The most recent reports speculate that the Browns lead the way in pursuit of the quarterback from Oregon, Marcus Mariota. However, until the fog of the NFL draft is lifted we are free to speculate away and that is just what we are about to do with ‘Five Bold Predictions’ for the Cleveland Browns in the upcoming draft.

Given all of that here we go:

Next: Browns Bold Prediction #1

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Bold Prediction #1 – Browns Draft their Starting QB

Browns trade 2015 #12, #115 (From Buf), and 2016 #1 Rd Pick to TEN for #2

Alright, I know I said ‘bold’ and even though this has been speculated for some time it is still a bold move for this organization and does signal that they are sold on the Duck’s prospect. Draft Insider Tony Pauline revealed early this week that Cleveland wanted to trade up and select QB Marcus Mariota or possibly trade back with another team who wanted to jump up and grab him. Pauline also said a league source told him that “If the Titans are ready to deal the pick then the Browns hold the most powerful position in the draft and have the ability to dictate whether they or another team make the move for Mariota”. With no other team able to outbid the Browns, they will be able to get the Titans to buy off on getting the Browns 12th overall pick and Buffalo’s 4th round pick in the 2015 draft, plus the Browns 1st round pick in 2016. That might sound like a lot but compared to what the rumored asking price the Browns would be walking away with the quarterback they want, plus the luxury of still having Buffalo’s 19th Overall pick in the 1st round.

Next: Browns Bold Prediction #2

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Bold Prediction #2 – Browns pair their QB with a WR

Browns Draft WR Jaelen Strong (Arizona State) #19th Overall

The Browns can’t continue to thrust quarterback’s into the starting role without building a great supporting cast. Success in the NFL comes from having the pieces in place to make life easier on the quarterback position. If the Browns’ want the quarterback position to flourish then they need to address the supporting cast starting with getting a quality starting wide receiver and they do that now. The Browns pair newly acquired quarterback Marcus Mariota with Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong who is a top-5 player at his position in this draft. The Browns are taking a page out of the Bengals playbook and making sure to bring in a quarterback and wide receiver together, like the Bengals did with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in the 2011 NFL Draft. At 6’2″, Strong is another wide receiver prospect that could step-in and stretch the field for the Browns’ offense. The Browns’ offense desperately missed the deep ball last season and had to rely heavily on the slot receivers to stretch the defense. Strong has a the size, strength, and quickness to get separation and make contested catches.

Next: Browns Bold Prediction #3

Nov 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a touchdown past Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back John Lowdermilk (37) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Bold Prediction #3 – Browns go offense again

Browns Draft TE Maxx Williams (Minnesota) 2nd Round #43 Overall

The Browns signed tight end Rob Housler to a one-year deal after Jordan Cameron decided to take his talents to south beach. The addition of Maxx Williams (6’4”, 249 pds) add a big pass catching target. Williams is a smooth route runner, and accelerates off the line of scrimmage to stress the seam and gain a step on defenders. Williams is most dangerous after the catch with where he would fight for extra yards. Williams was a member of the All-Big 10 first team in 2014, Williams set the Minnesota record for the most touchdowns by a tight end in a season with 8 in 2014. As a sophomore, Williams led his team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns on his way to being named Big-10 tight end of the year and establishing himself as one of the most promising tight end prospects in the country.

Next: Browns Bold Prediction #4

Browns Bold Prediction #4 – Browns Draft Center Alex Mack’s replacement

Browns Draft OL Ali Marpet (Hobart) 3rd Round #77 Overall

Ali Marpet is projected as a second-or-third day selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, he has the body type and movement of a zone-scheme center with guard potential. Technically sound and has athleticism to become an NFL starter. A zone-scheme center who may not be ready for a year sounds like and ideal fit for the Browns who could likely lose pro-bowl center Alex Mack after the 2015 season. A three-year All-Conference and two-time Division-III All-American performer, Marpet dominated competition at the DIII level and performed well at the Senior Bowl against top talent. He doesn’t stand out physically, but he is always under control with core strength and coordination. Marpet could play guard or even learn for a year on special teams before moving to center if/when Mack moves on.

Next: Browns Bold Prediction #5

Nov 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Keith Price (17) is tackled by Washington State Cougars defensive end Xavier Cooper (96) during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Bold Prediction #5 – Browns Move to get their Pass-rusher

Browns trade 2015 #111, #147 to New England for #96

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Xavier Cooper of Washington State is a big (6’3”, 293 pds) with broad shoulders and thick limbs. Cooper shows good initial quickness off the snap to penetrate. He possess surprising acceleration and balance for a man of his size. Passionate player who frequently pursues laterally and down-field – attributes which will intrigue teams looking for a five-tech defensive end or as a penetrating defensive tackle. Cooper fits the mold of a player that played both inside and outside in college and could be converted to a 3-4 defensive end/ outside linebacker. He has the size and speed, as well as the wheel to get to the quarterback, running an impressive 4.37 20 yard shuttle. The 20-yard shuttle gives you a great idea of how they accelerate in a short distance, which on the line and coming around the edge is relatively short yardage. Cooper also showed off his strength at the NFL scouting combine while putting up an impressive 29 reps on the bench press of 225 pounds.

What do you think of our 5 bold predictions for the Browns in the 2015 NFL Draft?

Next: Browns 2015 NFL Draft Profiles List

Paul Noel