The Cleveland Browns elected to bolster both sides of their line in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, as they selected defensive lineman Danny Shelton with the 12th pick and offensive lineman Cameron Erving with the 19th pick.
When the draft resumes tonight at 7, the Browns will be looking to further address the current holes on their roster while also adding depth to their team. Last season, general Ray Farmer showed he was more than capable of finding starting-caliber talent after the first round, as he selected offensive guard Joel Bitonio in the second round, and linebacker Chris Kirksey in the third round.
The Browns will pick at No. 43 in the second round and at No. 77 in the third round tonight, so let’s take a look at some of the players the could/should be targeting.
Who to watch for in Round 2
Here are three players Cleveland should have on their radar:
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
Jaelen Strong, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
The Cleveland Browns did a great job last night addressing two of the teams biggest weaknesses in 2014, run-defense and no offensive line depth. However, there is still a sizable need for the team to draft a wide receiver that can fit into the mix of Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins.
According to our draft profile on Strong:
"“He showed he could excel in the Pac-12, being selected to the First-team All Pac-12 as well as finishing the season as a Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist. Strong amassed a total of 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns, starting 13 games for the Sun Devils. Overall, Strong is a good, well rounded short-mid range threat who is still raw, but could become great with some refinement from the correct team.”"
At 6-foot-2 and 217-pounds, Strong has the necessary size to create mismatches against smaller cornerbacks. Not to mention he would add another big, red zone target for either Johnny Manziel or Josh McCown. The addition of the former Sun Devil would give the Browns a starting three of Bowe and Strong on the outside, and Hawkins in the slot. As it stands, Strong is an athletic receiver with great potential who many considered a first round wide receiver. If Cleveland is able to snag him at pick 43, he’d be an instant upgrade over Hartline, and a great selection overall.
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
Maxx Williams, Tight End, Minnesota
After Jordan Cameron left Cleveland for the Miami Dolphins in free agency, there has been a hole at tight end for the Browns. While Farmer signed veteran Rob Housler, the need for an upgrade still exists. If Williams is still available for selection at pick No. 43, it would be hard to pass him up.
As I previously wrote in my draft profile of Williams:
"“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.”"
DraftBreakdown.com had this to say of Williams:
"“Maxx Williams is a very good tight end prospect who projects as a starting NFL player for a very long time. While I don’t think he’ll emerge into one of the elite pass catchers at the position, I do think he’ll be an extremely valued and respected pro because of his ability to be an asset in every aspect of an offense’s gameplan. He’ll block well, he’ll catch well, and he’ll add the occasional big play from time to time. I like the fact that he’s still a young and developing player, as he has not yet hit his ceiling. He reminds me of a better run blocking version of Greg Olsen, who is now enjoying some of his best years as a pro with the Carolina Panthers.”"
Williams would immediately fix the Browns need for a pass-catching threat at tight end. At 6-foot-4 and 249-pounds, he could be a dominant force over the middle for the Browns for years to come, and he hasn’t even hit his ceiling yet. The addition of Williams would provide whoever is quarterback for the Browns next season with a security blanket type receiver with solid hands. It couldn’t hurt to add another big, reliable pass catcher to the offense. If Williams is able to play at the level of Carolina’s Greg Olsen, and the Browns select him, the offense will be in good shape next year.
Nov 22, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender Randy Gregory (4) sacks Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Randy Gregory, Outside Linebacker, Nebraska
Yes, the Cleveland Browns already went defense with a top pick in the opening rouand. However, if a player like Gregory is still on the board when it is time for the Browns to pick, it would be hard to complain about Farmer selecting him. Originally rated as a surefire first round pick with top-10 potential, Gregory slid all the way through the first round after reportedly failing a drug test at the NFL Combine.
Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com had this to say of Gregory:
"“Uses length well to extend and shoot his arms into blockers. Explosive get-off and burst to advance upfield very quickly, displaying outstanding speed and closing burst in pursuit of the ballcarrier. Quick feet, east moving laterally to avoid blockers, appearing natural in space and on his feet with smooth change of direction movements. Active hands. Never quits fighting to the ball.”"
It would be fun to see what head coach Mike Pettine would do with a player of Gregory’s style, as he is an explosive athlete who constantly gets after the quarterback. If Gregory manages to fall all the way to Cleveland at 43, the Browns would be pulling off highway robbery. The only downside to Gregory is his issue with positive drug tests. Farmer must weigh if Gregory’s immense talent and upside is worth the risk of him failing another drug test in the NFL. Cleveland hasn’t particularly had the best luck with star players and drug tests in the past, as wide receiver Josh Gordon has already been suspended multiple times and will miss the upcoming 2015 season due to a failed drug test.
Who to Watch for in Round 3
The Cleveland Browns hold pick No. 77 in the third round of the NFL Draft. Depending on the direction the team decides to go in during the second round, here are three players the Browns should consider:
Dec 6, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (9) celebrates catching a pass in the end zone for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
If former Buckeye Devin Smith is on the board at pick 77 for the Browns, it should be an easy selection. Assuming Cleveland elected to take a pass rusher or tight end in the second round, the Browns should look to add a solid receiver with home run ability on every play. Smith showed last season for the Buckeyes that he was capable of making the big play when his team needed it most. Our draft profile of the former Buckeye highlight’s Smith big-play ability:
"“An Honorable Mention All-Big Ten player as a senior, Smith led the Buckeyes in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. More importantly, he flashed his big-play ability in some of Ohio State’s biggest games: catching three touchdowns vs. Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game; catching a touchdown against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl; and, even though he had just one catch in the title game against Oregon, it went for 45 yards and sent up a Buckeye touchdown.”"
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Smith would be a legitimate burner for the Browns. With the ability to take the top off of opposing defenses, Smith would either require a cornerback with comparable speed to cover him or help over the top from a safety. This would allow Cleveland’s other receivers to have more room to work in the short-to-mid section of the field. Not to mention Smith would be an upgrade over speedster Travis Benjamin, who has shown an inability to stay healthy.
Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) is tackled after a catch as the Florida State Seminoles beat the Miami Hurricanes 30-26 at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Clive Walford, Tight End, Miami
Assuming the Browns missed out on the Maxx Williams sweepstakes in Round 2, Farmer should look to add tight end Clive Walford. At 6-foot-4 and 251-pounds, Walford is another big-bodied tight end that could provide receiving and blocking ability for the Browns next year. NFL.com had this to say of the draft prospect:
"“Becoming a very reliable blocker. Is tough enough and physical enough to be a play-side blocking tight end on zone runs. Bends and explodes from hips into his targets and sustains with a good base. Will drive smaller linebackers off the line of scrimmage in run game. Has lined up in-line, slot and as an H-back. Has the physical build and enough quickness to threaten the seam. Turns head and locates the ball quickly. Can make contested catches. Has NFL run-after-catch ability. At home in a physical matchup. Has long arms and big hands.”"
While Walford lacks the skill to be a true game changer at the position, he is still a solid receiver who blocks extremely well. He has plenty of room to develop, too, as he only started playing football his senior year in high school. NFL.com compares Walford’s game to that of Dwayne Allen, who has been a solid acquisition for the Indianapolis Colts and one of Andrew Luck‘s most-targeted players. While he doesn’t posses the flat-line speed of ex-Browns tight end Cameron, Walford is a much more polished blocker and has the tools to become a better tight end all around.
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Garrett Grayson of Colorado State (8) looks for a receiver against the North squad in the fourth quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Grayson, Quarterback, Colorado State
If the Browns are looking to add some insurance in case Manziel doesn’t pan out this season, Garrett Grayson is the guy to go with. He would likely need a year or two in order to fully develop and understand NFL defenses, but Grayson has the potential to be a great quarterback in Cleveland’s offense. As I wrote in my draft profile of Grayson, he:
"“leaves Colorado St. as the leader in every major passing category, including yards, touchdowns, completions, attempts and completion percentage. His pass efficiency rating of 166.2 was good for fifth best in NCAA FBS, and it was the highest among Mountain West QBs.”"
The 2014 Mountain West Player of the year, Grayson showed tremendous touch on his deep balls, and his overall accuracy was anywhere from good to great. He showed a consistent ability to place the ball where cornerbacks couldn’t touch it, and only his receivers could catch it. The biggest knock on Grayson’s game is that he often locks on to his primary receiver and doesn’t always go through his progressions. A redshirt season or two could correct this problem. If the Browns want to draft and develop their own guy, Garrett Grayson will more than likely be there for them at pick 77.
Who would you like to see the Browns draft in Rounds 2 and 3?