For the most part, the Cleveland Browns defense is complete. The one glaring hole is inside linebacker, but aside from that, there is a serviceable starter, at the least, at every position. Offensively, a few key pieces could spark an offense already filled with numerous talented players. Alex Mack is one of the NFL’s best centers, but the guard play alongside of him has been mediocre. An improvement in the interior would not only allow for more accessible running lanes, but will also provide a more sturdy wall for whoever plays quarterback to stand behind. In regards to receiving options, Josh Gordon is a dominant No.1 and Jordan Cameron is an upcoming force at tight end, but aside from those two, Cleveland lacks receiving options. Despite the addition of Andrew Hawkins, he is not best fit to be a teams No.2 receiver. If Cleveland were to make a few solid picks, their team could finally rise up from their depressing abyss of failure.
5. Jared Abbrederis, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin
Abbrederis is unlikely to be a first rounder for any team, mostly due to the absurd depth of this receiver class, but Cleveland has the third pick in the second round. Opposite of Gordon, Abbrederis will be able to thrive. His quickness in and out of breaks, cunning deception, and preciseness when route running is unlike any other in this class. He is not an outstanding athlete, but reversely, he is not a poor one either. His long speed is certainly enough to outrun cornerbacks if he creates separation, which he will do often. With teams being forced to put their top corner on Gordon, Abbrederis will be able to feast on most No.2 cornerbacks in the NFL, making his quarterback’s life less stressful.
4. Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M
While Manziel does not appear to be Cleveland’s ideal option at quarterback, he is still certainly in play. Considering how much of a wild card Manziel’s draft position is to predict, he could be the pick at either first round pick for the Browns (4 and 26). That being said, Manziel will likely not be the pick at four because he does not appear to be their top quarterback target. If they were to use the fourth overall pick on a quarterback, Derek Carr seems to be the choice. Although, it is just as likely that the Browns use the pick on a different position. In that case, Manziel becomes an option at 26.
No matter where the Browns get him, Manziel would come in and make a positive impact from day one. Shanahan’s simplistic system would allow Manziel, or any rookie quarterback, to focus on making the plays that are there instead of trying to do too much. Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are two talented receiving options that Manziel would be able to take advantage of. If a play falls apart, Manziel is one of the best improvisational quarterbacks in football and would be able to save the play. If all that were not enough, he would be able to finally be able to play with the peace of mind that his defense can stop teams from scoring; that is something he never had at Texas A&M.
3. CJ Mosley, Linebacker, Alabama
Keeping in mind the trend that non-pass rushing linebackers tend to “fall” in the draft, Mosley could be another to follow that same trend, especially considering his past shoulder issues. By no means is it a sure thing, but Mosley could be available at 26, and if that were the case, Cleveland would be stubborn to pass on him. Mosley is an elite linebacker prospect that has the ability to be terrifying in any scheme. Not only is Mosley arguably this class’ best coverage linebacker, he is the most fundamentally sound. He can stack-and-shed in the run game if engaged, but if he is not, he has advanced ability to read a play and react without a single wasted movement. Aside from pass rushing, which, if asked to, could be serviceable at, Mosley is a near flawless player that could be a steal at 26 and a terror alongside Karlos Dansby.
2. Gabe Jackson, Guard, Mississippi State
As stated before, Cleveland’s guard play was subpar. Last year, the Browns ended the year 27th in total team rushing yards. Some of that can be equated to average, at best, running back performance, but the guards in front of them deserve equal or more blame. Jackson is a mauling guard that plays with a brutalizing nature. Once engaged, Jackson manhandles opponents as a run blocker and moves them wherever he pleases. When pass blocking, he is a stone wall that will only be penetrable by football’s upper echelon defensive tackles. Jackson would be an upgrade at either guard spot for the Browns. In college, he played left guard, but there should be no doubt that he can make the transition to play right guard.
1. Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno State
It is quite evident that the Browns need a quarterback, but the mystery is which quarterback they want. Via reports, Carr seems to be the quarterback Cleveland thinks most highly of. Like Manziel, Carr could end up being the selection at either first round pick depending on how the draft plays out. If they are confident that he is their franchise quarterback, the Browns ought to pull the trigger with the fourth overall selection to ensure that he is theirs.
Carr has elite arm strength. With a stellar deep threat like Josh Gordon at his disposal, Carr could play heavily to his best trait early on until he is more comfortable spreading the field. Although, he is a brilliant quarterback that flashed the ability to outsmart defenses. On a tangent, he has been exposed to the NFL and its concepts for a long time now due to his brother David. Carr has the experience, smarts, and arm talent to become Cleveland’s franchise quarterback. He has a few mechanical kinks to work out, but would be a solid selection and fit nonetheless.