Cleveland Browns: Collaborative 2018 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Joel Cade
Round1 Pick 1: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
This should be the pick. Daniel Jeremiah ranks Darnold as the best quarterback to come out of college in the past three years. Yes, he was ranked over (gasp!) Carson Wentz. His fumble concerns can be fixed. He throws with accuracy and anticipation.
My take: Don’t overthink this. Take the best quarterback to come out in the past three years. Then the Browns should give Sashi Brown a bonus for having the vision to negotiate the quarterback market over a three-year period. This is as much of a no brainer pick as Myles Garrett was last year. Turn in the card already.
Roundd 1 Pick 4: Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Bradley Chubb will be the pick. The point here to create a dominant defensive line. If Chubb is the pick the Browns will have the equivalent of three first round picks at defensive end, Myles Garret (No. 1), Bradley Chubb (No. 4) and Emmanuel Ogbah (No. 32). All three on the field would be amazing for the Browns.
My take: The Browns should trade out here. Unless they are looking to take elite help in the defensive backfield, there is no reason to pick here. If they can get an offer to stay in the top ten and still get an elite defender, they should take it. If they stay here, they should take Denzel Ward
Round 2 Pick 33: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
This pick will probably be either a cornerback or wide receiver. The pick will be D.J. Moore out of Maryland. He is a big body with a big upside as a receiver. The Browns cannot pay them all. Need to work on finding replacements now.
My take: I like defensive linemen. If Maurice Hurst is here, they Browns should run as fast as they can to turn in the card. Hurst plays the 3-technique and has all the skills anyone could want in the position.
Round 2 Pick 35: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
The pick will be Nick Chubb. If not, it should be. They need to address running back. The next time they pick will be at No. 64. Chubb will not fall that far. Chubb is ideal for a power running game.
My take: Chubb’s great vision allows him to keep the team ahead of the sticks and him on the field. Duke Johnson can be the third down back. Nick Chubb can keep the Browns out of third down.
Round 2 Pick 64: Justin Reid, S, Stanford
This is the place for a defensive back, if not already taken at No. 4. In this scenario Justin Reid from Stanford would be available and be the pick. He is a backup at the free safety position and insurance in case Demarious Randall needs to be moved back to corner.
Next: Way too early win-loss projections
My take: The Browns need secondary help at free safety and corner. A pick in this area makes the day.