Cleveland Browns: Collaborative 2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Shane Carter
Who they will pick: No. 1 overall, Sam Darnold, QB, USC
All the Josh Allen talk is smoke screen. John Dorsey is bold and willing to buy players but he’s not stupid. Darnold is the best QB prospect and the team should take him without question.
Who they will pick, No. 4 overall, Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Who they should pick, Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Best edge prospect 2 years in a row. Chubb and Garrett could potentially become the best pass rushing duo in the league.
It should be, however, Saquon Barkley. True, the defensive end group this year isn’t near as deep as the running backs in the draft but Barkley, as a running back, is better than Chubb is, as a defensive end. Pairing Barkley with Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson would make Cleveland the home of Earth Wind and Fire.
Who they will pick, Round 2, No. 33 overall, Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Who they should pick, Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
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Passing on Barkley means they wait to get another talented back in Georgia’s Michel. He can catch, run, block, etc. No doubt that if they pass on Barkley, Sony is a good second option.
The pick should be cornerback Carlton Davis from Auburn. Good enough to be a 1st round corner, he is in a very deep corner class, which will cause him to slip. I love the idea of Davis and EJ Gaines on the outside, locking down receivers. It’s too good to pass up.
Who they will pick, Round 2, No. 35 overall, James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Who they should pick, Andrew Brown, DT, Virginia
They’ve got the number one slot receiver in the league, Jarvis Landry, and a returning Josh Gordon. With Corey Coleman not living up to his draft spot, the team would look to upgrade at receiver. Washington is a physical athlete who would complete the receiving core.
However, this year is deep at the position and the team can afford to wait to draft one. That’s why they should pick defensive tackle, Andrew Brown, from Virginia. Danny Shelton is gone and that pretty much leaves Larry Ogunjobi and Caleb Brantley to play the 1 & 3 techniques. Brining in Brown not only gives the team much better depth but a potential starter at the 3 who’s last name makes sense for this team.
Who they will pick, Round 2, No. 64 overall, Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford
Who they should pick, Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Stanford has a knack for putting out quality players and Quenton Meeks is another. The corner comes in to play opposite Gaines and solidify the secondary. He’s a great ball hawk who’s skills would be welcomed. However, as I mentioned before, Carlton Davis is going first for me.
With that, the team goes for defensive end depth: Lorenzo Carter. The former Bulldog is getting a lot of respect since the season ended, some even thinking he could be a 1st rounder.
Likely, he’ll be a day two pick, who has experience playing with his hand in the dirt and standing up, meaning he can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 system. He’s not a finished product, but with the depth the team has at edge, he can develop along side players like Myles Garrett and potentially be a key contributor on defense.