Cleveland Browns: Collaborative 2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Matthew McFatridge
Round 1, Pick 1 :Browns – Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming
Matt’s Pick- Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming
Say what you want about Josh Allen’s accuracy, this kid can play. I haven’t been on board fully with drafting a quarterback with the first pick, because I’m a firm believer in Tyrod Taylor as more than just a bridge quarterback.
But Josh Allen is more than worth it. The kid has a cannon for an arm, can make all the throws, and given time to set up and not be forced out of the pocket on every throw like he was at Wyoming, he has the best potential of all the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class.
His completion percentage wasn’t great, but that’s because he didn’t throw many screen passes and he wasn’t neccesarily playing with the best group of wideouts and offensive linemen. With professionals in those positions, and a year or two of seasoning behind a veteran such as Taylor, along with good coaching from someone who knows how to work with tall, athletic quarterbacks (Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley), Allen is the best guy to pick with the first overall pick in 2018.
Round 1, Pick 4: Browns- Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State
Matt’s Pick- Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Bradley Chubb is one of the best players in this year’s draft. He has all the makings to be a great NFL pass rusher, and pairing him opposite of Myles Garrett would make for a scary pass rushing duo for the next decade. In today’s NFL, you need to have a strong pass rush, as it’s almost more valuable than any other position on defense.
With Emanuel Ogbah, however, the Browns are more than good at that position opposite of Garrett. The team needs playmakers to pair with the new playmakers, quarterback Tyrod Taylor and wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Saquon Barkley is a solid selection with the fourth overall pick.
His versatility as a runner and ability to catch out of the backfield sets him apart from everyone else at his position. Barkley is quite possibly the number one overall prospect in this years draft, so taking him at four is a no brainer.
Round 2, Pick 33: Browns-Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Matt’s Pick- Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
With the team trading away defensive tackle Danny Shelton, there is now a hole on the defensive line next to defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. Hurst is the best 3-technique In this years draft class, so getting him in the second round is a steal for the Browns.
Round 2, Pick 35: Browns- Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan, OT
Matt’s pick- Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
The Browns obviously need help on the offensive line with the loss of future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. Okorafor would be a good addition to that slot, but the Isaiah Oliver also fills a hole the team has. Young playmakers are needed on both sides of the ball, and Oliver is just that: a playmaker.
Round 2, Pick 64: Browns- Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
Matt’s Pick- Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Josey Jewell isn’t going to wow you with any one attribute, but he is still a solid selection. He can do just about everything fairly well. But the team already has enough linebackers that do their jobs well enough.
Kolton Miller can step in with some seasoning from his coaches and more reps as a backup, and eventually work into the starting lineup to help replace some of the production the team lost with Joe Thomas’ retirement.