Cleveland Browns draft: Dane Brugler has excellent choice at No. 13
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns need a wide receiver desperately and Dan Brugler has them landing one at No. 13 overall, but not everyone seems to love it
It’s mock draft season and just about every mock has the Cleveland Browns going after a wide receiver. That remains true for Dan Brugler, as the well-respected draft pundit has Cleveland looking to Ohio State for their next No. 1 wideout.
In his latest mock, Cleveland takes Garrett Wilson at No. 13 and he’s the first receiver to go in this mock. While many Browns fans would be thrilled at such a pick — and Wilson seems as though he would be an excellent fit — there are those who aren’t amused.
Nick Dudovich of Factory of Sadness comments on Brugler’s selection of Garrett Wilson at No. 13, and he doesn’t seem all that thrilled.
"“There isn’t anyone who loves the Buckeyes and Browns who wouldn’t be thrilled with this pick. The size is more of a concern for me because it’s been noted how Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield can’t see from the pocket.Small QB. Small WR. I don’t like it. Alas, the next freelance check I get from the scouting department will be the first.”"
This assessment will probably be shared by many people but it’s very shortsighted — no pun intended. This belief that Baker Mayfield can’t see over the pocket is such an oversimplification.
The man stands 6-foot-1 but cannot see over the 6-foot-5 offensive linemen in front of him but somehow giants in the NFL such as the 6-foot-2 Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott tower above their lines? Let’s not pretend that’s the case. We can criticize Mayfield for pocket awareness or accuracy but the short thing is tired and cliche.
As for the short wide receiver, that’s something else that’s overrated. Anymore, cornerbacks are just as tall and long as wideouts meaning there aren’t tons of plays where a 6-foot-5 Calvin Johnson is jumping over a 5-foot-9 defensive back.
Does height help at receiver? Sure, but give me a route runner who gets open any day over one who is tall and lives solely on the jump ball.
If there was anything about this mock to criticize, it would be Wilson lasting until pick No. 13. He’s arguably the top receiver in this class and it would be a shock to see him get past Atlanta at No. 8.
Having said all that, Wilson possesses every trait Cleveland wants in their new No. 1 receiver and if he’s the pick at 13, it would be an excellent move by this front office.