Dane Brugler’s Latest Mock Draft Focuses on Browns Interior

Jan 22, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive tackle Danny Shelton of Washington (95) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Dane Brugler from NFLDraftScout.com released his latest mock draft today and he has the Cleveland Browns focusing on both sides of the line in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Browns currently hold two selections in the first round of the draft, which kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. in Chicago. While many experts and fans believe the Browns will address the wide receiver position with one of their first-round picks, Brugler has a different strategy.

"12. Cleveland Browns – Danny Shelton, NT, Washington: With DeVante Parker still on the board, this pick could come down to a two-gapping nose tackle like Shelton or the potential No. 1 receiver with Parker. I think Cleveland would lean Shelton."

If the Browns make this pick there are few who will argue. As our own Paul Noel wrote in his draft profile of Shelton:

“Danny Shelton is a college senior who passes all the eye tests heading toward the draft. He is a big and strong interior defensive lineman who finished off his senior year with AP All-American honors, recording 93 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. Danny has a wide frame that allows him to anchor and hold, even against double teams that were thrown his way often. Shelton would fit the need the Browns are looking for in a high motor player who has the ability to hold the line and take on double teams while allowing edge defenders to go free toward the quarterback. But his skills as a two-gap run stopper are what should really draw the Browns’ attention. His quick burst and ability to shed lineman and tackle the ball carrier nearby is exactly what the Browns defense needs.”

"19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo) — La’el Collins, OT, LSU: The Browns need to add depth on the offensive line and Collins would give the team a long-term option at right tackle to replace Mitchell Schwartz, who is likely playing his final season in Cleveland this year."

As much as the Shelton pick would delight Browns fans, picking Collins – or any offensive lineman – would probably disappoint them. While Schwartz receives more than his share of criticism, we’re not sure the coaching staff views him in the same light. And with several other spots on the roster needing attention, selecting an offensive lineman in the first round may not be prudent.

That’s not to say Collins is a bad player, as our Noel points out in his draft profile on Collins:

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“Collins is an ideal fit for the Browns.  He possesses the necessary size, strength, and quickness to get to the second level when performing run blocking, and shows great range and agility to protect the edge. Collins would be an ideal fit to pair at left guard next to Joe Thomas and eventually slide to the left to take over the left tackle position when Thomas decides to retire.”

"43. Cleveland Browns – Nelson Agholor, WR, USC: After spending both first round picks on trench players, Agholor is almost a no-brainer if he lasts to the No. 43 pick for Cleveland."

The Browns do make a move to add a wide receiver in the second round, with the selection of Agholor. Let’s go back to Noel one more time for his draft profile of Agholor:

“Like former Trojan Marqise Lee, Agholor has a lean, athletic frame, with good lateral agility and great acceleration. Agholor is an athletic pass catcher with sharp route running and the body control to make fluid adjustments on the ball. Agholor generally catches the ball cleanly with his hands and secures it quickly.”

The NFL Draft moves from New York to Chicago for 2015, with the first round scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET start. The draft will resume for rounds two and three on Friday beginning at 7 p.m., and the draft will conclude on Saturday with rounds four through seven beginning at noon ET.

What do you think of Brugler’s mock draft?

Next: Browns 2015 NFL Draft Profiles List