Open Rants by Whitetail

Round 1 Pick #1 QB Sam Darnold USC

This seems to be the most common pick among the majority of mock drafts, as well as the most logical. Darnold has a strong arm and is usually accurate. The Browns did name Tyrod Taylor starter; however I do not believe that that will discourage them from taking a QB in round 1. I believe that John Dorsey; the new GM of the Browns, has seen the number of rookie failures the Browns have tried the last several years at quarterback, and wants to get a veteran some snaps before the rookie gets thrown right in. Darnold showed the leadership ability at USC that the Browns desire. Darnold is an NFL QB size at 6'3" 220#. He is not the most mobile quarterback in the draft, but I do not think that the Browns want a mobile quarterback, especially based on the recent history of their mobile quarterbacks; RGIII, Manziel, and Kizer. One concern about taking Darnold is his youth. This may not be an issue, but drafting a Sophomore so high is risky. This is another good reason why it was wise to name Tyrod Taylor the starter. Another option at first overall would be Saquon Barkley. However, after signing Carlos Hyde and retaining Duke Johnson, I believe that the backfield is pretty much spoken for. Enough, at least, not be able to justify a running back that high, no matter how talented or electric he is. I also do not think Cleveland will go defense, based first of all, on the number of picks they have this year, and secondly, because they also have the 4th overall pick and will probably go defense there.

Round 1 Pick #4 DE Bradley Chubb NCST

The Browns should have several options at #4, but a defensive pick would be the most logical. Cleveland's defense struggled to get pressure on the quarterback during their winless campaign last year. Chubb is a big edge rusher measuring in at 6'4" and 269#. Despite his size his still has very quick feet and surprising speed, recording a 4.65 on the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. This speed would be a huge upgrade for a Browns defense who also struggled to stop the run. With a 34" wingspan, Chubb has the ability to rope in ball carriers from a distance. His open field tackling ability is also very impressive and will diffidently be needed in the NFL, especially in the AFC North. Myles Garrett has potential, but I believe would perform even better with another top rusher like Chubb on the other side of the defensive line. Other options here would include Minkah Fitzpatrick, Josh Jackson, and Roquon Smith. The secondary does need improvement, but the defensive line needs the most help at the time being. Another thought would be to trade the 4th overall pick to a team like Buffalo or Arizona who may trade up for a QB. I do not believe Cleveland will be eager to trade though, as they do not need any more draft picks and need as many top players as they can find.

Round 2 Pick #33 OT Martinas Rankins Mississippi State

It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement, if you are the Browns, in having so many draft picks. The temptation is to take a top tier playmaker with every pick.  The Browns need to be sure to remember to take care of the "lower profile" positions such as Offensive linemen.  With Joe Thomas recently retired, it is important to get a young lineman in quick to take his spot. The signing of former Steelers OL Chris Hubbard was a wise signing, but the Browns still need more quickness on the line. One thing is for sure, whoever the QB will be for the Browns is going to need to be protected, as last year's quarterbacks spent more time on the ground than on their feet. 33rd overall may be a bit early for Rankins and other options would be Orlando Brown or Will Hernandez.

Round 2 Pick #35 OLB Malik Jefferson Texas

With their second pick of the second round, I believe that the Browns will take Malik Jefferson. Jefferson is built like a typical NFL linebacker at 6'3" and 236#. He has incredible speed and quickness and showed that at the combine. He also has a lot of strength doing 27 reps on the bench press at the combine in early March. After taking Chubb in round 1, a linebacker would be a wise choice in round two to compliment the ever strengthening defensive line. Many analysts have him dropping lower than round 2, but Cleveland can not afford to miss out on a player like Jefferson who has NFL potential written all over him.

Round 2 Pick #64 OG Will Hernandez UTEP

With the number of picks the Browns have it would not be surprising to see them draft multiple guys from the same position. Hernandez is a great guard, who would probably go higher in the draft if he had gone to a higher profile football school. Hernandez is a very big guard weighing in at 348#, but he is surprisingly quick on his feet for his weight. He would be a great addition to any offensive line. One concern with him is his lack of height. He is only 6'2" which is short for a guard. It will be interesting to see if he switches to tackle at the pro level.

Round 3 Pick #65 RB Kerryon Johnson Auburn

Despite signing Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson, the Browns need a running back of the future. Kerryon Johnson is very fast on his feet and has the ability to turn on a dime. His leg strength is incredible and he was known for breaking tackles during his time at Auburn. At this point in the draft, if Johnson is still available Cleveland would be foolish not to draft him.

Round 4 Pick #101 SS Godwin Igwebuike Northwestern

Cleveland's secondary struggled last year to control anything, but especially the deep ball. The Browns secondary was renown for giving up long touchdown passes. Igwebuike is not very big at 6'0" and 205#, but can still make an open field tackle. He ranked 9th in the NCAA in solo tackles last year. He is very good at reading the quarterback's eyes and preventing the deep ball by helping out the corner in need. The Browns are going to need a strong secondary with receivers like Antonio Brown, Michael Crabtree, and AJ Green in the division. Igwebuike would be the safety available at this time and Cleveland should jump on him.

 Round 4 #123 OLB Shaquem Griffin UCF

By now everyone knows of this one-handed sensation from Central Florida. Griffin has become a household name now and has captured the hearts of many Americans. However, they are not the only ones who like Griffin. Scouts have praised him highly for his tackling ability and believe it or not his ability to "use" his hands. Griffin has the ability to get to the quarterback with 18.5 sacks in his collegiate career. He is very quick on his feet and would add speed to the line backing core of the Browns.

Round 5 Pick #138 OG Matt Pryor TCU

I realize that this is the third offensive lineman I have Cleveland drafting this year. However, depth is most important on the offensive line. Pryor would make a great backup and could most certainly fill in quite well in the event of an injury or another reason that the starter would not be playing. Pryor has the ability to play both tackle and guard, but is best suited as a guard because of his size. Pryor is 6'7" and 338#. He came into college at 390#, but managed to slim down and has become a lot more athletic as a result.

 Round 5 Pick #159 WR Allen Lazard Iowa State

Cleveland could not be more excited to have Josh Gordon back after a long suspension. However, it is quite obvious they do not have many other targets besides Gordon, and he will most likely be double covered the majority of time. Jarvis Landry was a good addition, but is prone to injury. Cleveland needs another top target and Lazard may very well be it. He has great hands and ball catching ability. He is also a great downfield blocker, which is important for a team who is trying to establish a running game. The one downside to Lazard is he does not possess post catch ability. He is very slow on turning up field and did not have many yards after the catch as a result. He is not much of a deep threat, which is ok. Cleveland will not take him because of a deep threat need. The Browns need a reliable ball catcher who can pick up first downs and block downfield. Lazard fits that description.

Round 6 Pick #175 CB Rashaan Gaulden Tennessee

After losing Joe Haden to the Steelers last year, Cleveland struggled to cover receivers. Gaulden may not be the number one corner, but possesses the ability to cover well. He may not be covering Antonio Brown or AJ Green, but could cover Martavis Bryant, Juju Smith-Schuster, John Ross, Breshard Perriman, and other secondary receivers in the AFC North.

Round 7 Pick #218 WR Ka'Raun White West Virginia

The Browns need a consistent pass catcher. White may not be the best blocker but can pick up a first down when needed and has the ability to get open, which will be important against some of the top corners in the AFC. The Browns Receiving core could be stacked with Josh Gordon, Jarvis Landry, Corey Coleman, Ka'Raun White, and company.