2018 Browns Draft: expect second-round chalk, not shocks

The Cleveland Browns made headlines in the first round, selecting Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward over Sam Darnold and Bradley Chubb. However, expect more “conventional” picks out of Berea come Friday’s second round.

The first round of the NFL Draft was certainly an interesting one. In a first-round that included running back Rashaad Penny and safety Terrell Edmunds, many were shocked to see so many day-one worthy players fall.

Enter the Cleveland Browns, who have No. 33 and No. 35 tonight, two of the first three picks on day two. Additionally, they possess No. 64, the last pick of the second round, after a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Browns have a chance to make some serious noise here, and in the best way. But worry not, Dawg Pound. It looks more than likely that the shocking picks will be cast away Friday night, in favor of more typical picks.

Related Story: Browns day 2 mock draft

Let’s talk quickly about No. 33, the pick that will kick off Friday night’s festivities. Coming from most reports, it seems to be one of two players: LSU’s Derrius Guice, or Boston College’s Harold Landry.

Either of these selections would greatly help the Browns, of course, who were mostly bereft of talent in 2017. Guice, a downhill runner who plays like someone spat in his coffee, seems to be a great choice for the AFC North.

Watching Guice’s tape in a win against Ole Miss is a treat. Go ahead, you made it through the first round, indulge yourself in some fun tape to watch. With 22 rushes for 276 yards, Guice owned the Rebels throughout the game.

But, if the Browns choose against Guice (much to this writer’s chagrin), they will almost certainly lean toward Harold Landry. Despite Landry’s ankle history, he is a freak athlete, especially for 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds.

Landry anchored the Boston College defense throughout his entire tenure in college. Across from Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Larry Ogunjobi, he could be a great complementary piece.

Landry has drawn a lot of comparisons to Atlanta’s Vic Beasley, and after looking at his game against Virginia Tech, those comparisons write themselves.

In short, Landry flies all across the field, and could be invaluable for the Browns at the No. 35 spot. Guice or Landry would be a dream scenario for many, and if the Browns came away with both, they could be well on their way to wild card contention.

Really quickly, let’s talk about No. 64. For many, this is offensive tackle or bust. Between Texas’s Connor Williams (drawing comparisons to Joe Thomas), and Oregon’s Tyrell Crosby, the Browns have plenty of options.

Next: Top 15 Browns first round picks

Whatever the situation, expect chalk picks throughout from Cleveland. Should they trade up into the third round, that’s where things could get crazy. But, it’s best for fans to cross that bridge when they get to it.