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Browns draft pool grows deeper as underclassmen declare

By Thomas Moore

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Browns have some pick holes to fill in the 2018 NFL Draft and will have multiple options from a talented pool of underclassmen.

The deadline for college players to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft passed earlier this week and there are several prominent names on the list.

All told, 113 underclassmen will enter the draft, according to NFL.com, although the official list will not be sent to teams until Jan. 19.

Perhaps the best news for the Cleveland Browns, who hold the No. 1 and No. 4 overall selection in the first round and are likely looking for a quarterback, is that all five of the top prospects will be available come draft night.

That list includes Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, Wyoming’s Josh Allen, USC’s Sam Darnold and UCLA’s Josh Rosen.

In addition to those two picks in the first round, the Browns hold three selections in the second round, including picks No. 33 and No. 35, and 12 draft picks overall.

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While quarterback is the most-pressing need, the Browns also need help at running back, offensive tackle (whether or not Joe Thomas comes back), wide receiver and safety.

Among the prominent names among the underclassmen at running back are Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who combined for 1,903 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns in 2017; LSU’s Derrius Guice, 1,375 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns; and USC’s Ronald Jones, 1,715 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns.

A pair of Alabama players stand out in wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who posted 224 receptions for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns in three seasons with the Crimson Tide; and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was fourth on the team in tackles with 60, while taking home both the Thorpe Award (given to the nation’s top defensive back) and the Bednarik Award (top defensive player).

Finally, with the end in sight for Thomas at left tackle, it would not come as a surprise if the Browns took a hard look at Oklahoma offensive tackle Orland Brown, a three-year starter for the Sooners and son of the late Orlando “Zeus” Brown (a former Browns lineman). The 6-foot-8 and 345-pound Brown was an unanimous first-team All-America selection and a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman, this past season.

Next: Joe Schobert added to Pro Bowl roster

With a dozen draft picks in hand, and seemingly as many holes to fill, general manager John Dorsey and his new staff are going to be very busy in the coming months as they prepare for the draft, which will take place from April 26 through April 28 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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