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Cleveland Browns: 5 best first-round picks since 1999

By Steven Kubitza

January 29, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Hawaiian hostesses Chelsea Hardin (far left) and Mahina Garcia (far right) pose with Team Rice tight end Gary Barnidge of the Cleveland Browns (82), Team Irvin center Alex Mack of the Cleveland Browns (55), and Team Rice tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns (73) during 2016 Pro Bowl photo day at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 29, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Hawaiian hostesses Chelsea Hardin (far left) and Mahina Garcia (far right) pose with Team Rice tight end Gary Barnidge of the Cleveland Browns (82), Team Irvin center Alex Mack of the Cleveland Browns (55), and Team Rice tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns (73) during 2016 Pro Bowl photo day at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) makes a block for a Cleveland Browns third quarter touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) makes a block for a Cleveland Browns third quarter touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Mack was drafted No. 21 overall in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Mack came to Cleveland and immediately made an impact on the offensive line. He reached three Pro Bowls in seven years with the Browns, and his injury early on in the 2014 season is often cited as one of the reasons the team missed out on a great opportunity for a playoff berth.

Mack left this offseason to join the Atlanta Falcons, which gives his replacement a great hole to fill along a previously reliable offensive line.

The center never missed a snap until he broke his leg in Week 6 of the 2014 season, which shows just how reliable he was during his seven years in Cleveland.

Mack’s selection was an important one for the Browns after not having a first-round selection in 2008. He turned out well, it was just the rest of the team that failed to do enough to have a winning season.

Mack is still in the prime of his career, but he will easily be remembered later on as one of the greatest centers in team history when his career comes to an end. Cameron Erving is likely to fill Mack’s former role this season, which should show fans just how valuable Mack was to this team.

Next: 2. Joe Haden

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