2013 NFL Draft Preview: Cleveland Browns
Top needs for the Browns in order:
1. CB
2. OLB/DE
3. S
4. TE
5. OL (can't have enough of them)
Best Fit in my opinion in order:
1st Scenario:
6th Pick: Dee Milliner CB Alabama 6ft 200 LBS (4.3) 40 time
To me this is the Browns best case scenario. The reason I believe he is the best fit is because we basically filled every other position this off-season, and we Desperately need another starting CB oppo Joe Haden. Milliner ran a scorching 4.3 40 time at the combine. He's been the best shut down corner on the best college football team. Now you might be thinking to yourself why not draft a DE/OLB? We picked up Paul Kruger in the off-season to be our every down pass rusher. One more important point is that people need to remember is we STILL have Jabbal Sheard. He obviously played DE last year but the Browns staff on numerous occasions have backed him to make the switch to the new 3-4 scheme. So why not believe them? Because of this I think Milliner is the guy.
2nd Best Scenario:
6th Pick: Dion Jordan DE/OLB Oregon (6ft 6 inches) 250lbs (4.35) 40 time
I know what your thinking....I'm being a hypocrite. But this would only be possible if Milliner is off the board. At this point I'm sure Jordan would be the highest rated player on their board if he were to fall to 6. Probably one o the most physically gifted and aggressive players in the whole draft. Browns do not hesitate and help the pass rush.
3rd Best Scenario:
6th Pick: Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB LSU (6 foot 4 inches) 240lbs (4.39) 40 time
Ok now see people might see this as a reach because in most mock drafts he's not being selected until pick #10. Who the hell cares? He's got freakish athletic ability, a big frame, and speed on speed on speed. He'll fit that OLB position very nicely and have the rest of the AFC north always wondering where he is at all times. Not a reach, just more help to rush the passer.
Perfect World Scenario:
Trade with Miami's 12th, also grabbing their 2nd round pick or 3rd (probably a 3rd)
12th Pick (From Miami): Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB LSU
I gave you all the positives about him above. If he's still there it's a steal at 12
64th Pick or 96th (From Miami): Best Corner available above 6ft
This fills the need for a starting corner alongside Joe Haden, or at least gives you an opportunity to develop a CB. This also works because were picking up an elite rusher in Mingo at pick 12. The reason I say over 6ft is cause if his talent isn't the greatest, then at least he's got size. (This again is why I called it "Perfect World" scenario)
Players to avoid:
QB:
Any QB in this years draft. Yes that includes Geno Smith. I truly believe Mr. Haslam would not have brought in Coach Chud and offensive coordinator Norv Turner if they didn't believe in current Browns QB Brandon Weeden. He fits their style of offense and I don't think they want to waste that second round pick from last seasons draft. I also believes he deserves another year, who know maybe Chud will work some wonders like he did with Derek Anderson in 2007 as the Browns offensive coordinator. Plus you do not want to hurt Brandon Weeden's confidence, this year is make or break for his entire career. I also think next years draft class (yes you always need to look ahead) has many talented players if they decided to enter the draft (Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, Braxton Miller etc.) Give Weeden another shot, but again I'm not 100% sure this is what Lombardi and Banner are thinking. Maybe they have something or somebody else up their sleeve. But to be honest, the future QB for the Cleveland Browns is not on the roster.
WR:
Tavon Austin: West Virginia
Height: 5'8
Weight: 174lbs
40 Time: 4.3 seconds
Projected Pick: Top 15
The human joy stick who seriously looks like a blur on TV is absolutley electric. Speed is his game. However he is very small and I believe very injury prone in the hard hitting NFL, not to mention not worthy of the 6th overall pick.
Other Players who intrigue me: (or players I wouldn't be mad if drafted)
CB:
Tyrann Mathieu: LSU
Height: 5'9
Weight: 186 lbs
40 Time: 4.5 seconds
Projected Pick: 3rd or 4th Round
He definitely has had his fair share of off the field issues. He is currently graded at about a 3rd or4th round pick. To me this screams "value pick" How many people criticized the Browns 2nd Round pick in the supplemental draft last year ala Josh Gordon. He failed drug tests just like Mathieu (obviously not as many) But go back and watch his tape when he was at LSU. The kid was an absolute Monster making plays all over the field. He also is a returner who can fill Josh Crirbbs role if nothing else. He has one thing i love in a player, and that is a chip on his shoulder to drive him. Take a shot on him.
David Amerson: NC State
Height: 6'1
Weight: 205 lbs
40 Time: 4.4 seconds
Projected Pick: 2nd - 3rd Round
Corner out of N.C. State played all 4 years and was a captain for his last 2. He recorded 14 interceptions in 2011. Go ahead and re-read that stat over again. At 6'1 he has the size and physical ability to be a starter in the NFL. He does tend to take some chances on balls for picks and misses, but you have to love the aggression. I think he would be a steal for whoever drafts and develops him.
WR:
Justin Hunter: Tennessee
Height: 6'4
Weight: 196 lbs
40 Time: 4.4 seconds
Projected Pick: 1st Round - 2nd Round
There are a few players I really like in this WR class. But I really like Justin Hunter from Tennessee. He has size and great leaping ability, something Norv Turners WR's always have had. The only problem is that he was not always consistent, which is something Browns fans are too familiar with ala Greg Little and Josh Gordon from time to time. Plus WR is not a huge need for the Browns this draft
Denard Robinson: Michigan
Height: 5'10
Weight: 200 lbs
40 Time: 4.43 seconds
Projected Pick: 4th Round - 6th Round
Yes thats right this HUGE OSU fan just threw Shoelace's name in the mix for the Browns. Every year once the first two rounds are over, the Cleveland Brown's draft is basically over. We have had MAYBE only a handful of them actually contribute to the team. Again I am allllllllllll about impact players. Even though Denard is small, he can be an impact player. Weather he plays WR or H back or whatever, he can be a weapon on offense who can always throw the ball if needed. Again he could even fill the whole of kick returner for Josh Cribbs. I just really like his intangibles, and really do believe in him.
S:
Kenny Vaccaro: Texas
Height: 6'1
Weight: 215 lbs
40 Time: 4.63 seconds
Projected Pick: 1st round
One of the fastest guys in the draft at his position. He can come in and play right away and make an impact on a depleted secondary. The thing I like the most about him is he will HIT you; and hit you, and hit you, and hit you. Having him and TJ Ward as our safeties will make opposing players be afraid to cross the middle of the field. He has great athletic ability and can contribute well on special teams.
D.J. Swearinger: South Carolina
Height: 5'11
Weight: 208 lbs
40 Time: 4.67 seconds
Projected Pick: 2nd Round - 3rd Round
I know I said earlier that Kenny Vaccaro will hit you a lot. But trust me when I tell you D.J. Swearinger will absolutely decapitate you. Just google him. He has pretty good range and above average ball skills. The other thing I love about him is that he was a 4 year starter in the SEC. He knows top competition, and showed he could compete with the best of them. I love his tenacity and heart. He would also make a great tandem with TJ Ward.
TE:
Tyler Eifert: Notre Dame
Height: 6'6
Weight: 251 lbs
40 Time: 4.68 seconds
Projected Pick: 1st Round, Early 2nd
The Notre Dame product is the best Tight End out there in the draft. He has great size and soft hands, which both are critical to have at this position. Go back and look at Norv Turner's offense (Antonio Gates) was at his expense. He LOVES TE's and I do see the Browns drafting one at some point in this draft. He could be the starter from day 1. We will see where he lands.
Travis Kelce: Cincinnati
Height: 6'5
Weight: 255 lbs
40 Time: 4.73
Projected Pick: 2nd Round - 4th Round
The Cleveland Heights native spent his 4 years at Cincinnati where he was very productive. His size and athleticism makes him stand out from the rest. He too would be a perfect fit for this offense, and would come in and make an impact right away in his hometown.
Closing Thoughts:
Overall, I really think their 6th pick will be the only one that matters, unless they trade back and pick up a 2nd round pick. The only reason I say that is because in the past none of the players have panned out in rounds 3-7. Maybe this new regime will change all that, but I'll believe it when I see it. Also another side note, I am pretty confident that the Browns will draft a FB and a Kicker at some point in the later rounds of the draft. These are key spots I believe they will fill with young players. I would be very happy with the Browns drafting either Dee Milliner, Dion Jordan, or Barkevious Mingo with the 6th overall pick. I believe any other picks they make (and im speaking from our previous drafts) will all be shots in the dark.
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| (Dee Milliner) |
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| (Dion Jordan) |
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| (Barkevious Mingo) |
see ya real soon
