Who Should the Cleveland Browns Draft in the First Round? – Part 2

April 22, 2015

As I mentioned yesterday, the Cleveland Browns may have position needs in the defensive and offensive lines. But getting a top notch wide receiver would be a terrific value at Pick 12, if available. One of the reasons I thought passing on offensive line is that I don’t think there’s a huge differential between the top offensive tackles in the draft. There are six offensive tackles in Scout Inc.’s Top 32 for the 2015 NFL Draft, ranging from 7 to 32. Brandon Scherff appears to be rated the best of the bunch at 7, but honestly, I’d be just as happy with the 32nd ranked T.J. Clemmings.

T.J. Clemmings

I know there may be some questions regarding whether the Browns should spend a first round pick on an offensive lineman since most of the offensive line is returning from 2014. But obviously, this begs the question, do you really want exactly the same offensive line that the Browns had in 2014? Based on the numbers we looked at in Part 1, I’d say you’d at least want to consider bringing in some competition.

So assuming the Browns can snag one of Amari Cooper, Kevin White or DeVante Parker, or even if the Browns end up taking Danny Shelton to shore up the defensive line, I think there’s offensive line value at Pick 19:

Potential 19th Picks

Here’s who I think the Browns should target with the 19th overall pick, in order of preference:

1) La’el Collins – OT

La’el Collins

You can say what you want about whether you like Collins or Flowers better, as I see them more as 1A and 1B, but I like what I see in Collins a little bit more. Remember I said in Part 1 that the Browns had the most negative running plays to the right side in the NFL in 2014? Collins will slot in immediately at right tackle or guard, and will automatically improve the run game dramatically. In fact, this versatility between right tackle and guard will allow the Browns to have him slot in wherever they see weakness once the preseason starts.

His form is absolutely solid in both positions, as once he engages, he rarely lets go. Defenders have nowhere to go but back or away from the play. He has experience playing in a pro-style offense in LSU and had significant competition to prove himself in the SEC West. He’s not quite as polished in pass protection, but there’s no reason he can’t improve there. He’s my favorite offensive tackle/guard prospect likely to be available at 19.

2) Ereck Flowers – OT

Ereck Flowers – USA Today Photo

Of course, if Collins isn’t available at 19, like in our Mock Draft, I would go with Flowers. And, of course, that’s exactly what I did in the Mock Draft. As I said, similar to Collins, Flowers is an immediate starter at right tackle or guard. Again, the versatility is a huge plus. He’s a superior run blocker that can consistently open lanes and thus also addresses the issues mentioned above. The primary difference is that Flowers is perhaps even more challenged in pass protection than Collins and has been known for committing holding penalties when beat. So there’s a good amount of coaching that will be required to hone Flowers’ pass protection, but the physical tools are all there. And the most impressive of those physical tools is Collins’ strength. Collins had the best bench press of any offensive lineman at the Combine with 37 reps. There’s more to playing the line than bench strength, but if you want someone to blow a defender off the line, Flowers is your guy. He’s an automatic upgrade at a either right tackle or guard and shouldn’t be passed at 19.

3) Malcom Brown – DT

Malcom Brown – Getty Images

From a practical standpoint, getting Danny Shelton at 12 and then one of the above offensive lineman at 19 makes the most sense. But assuming one of the top wide receivers is taken at 12, I’m torn on what to do at 19 between offensive and defensive line. Either way, though, I don’t think the Browns can go wrong, because both will essentially be plug and play improvements. And if neither of the above offensive linemen are available, I’d be perfectly happy taking Malcom Brown on defense and then taking a shot getting high upside offensive linemen late in the draft, like Ali Marpet.

Brown has great ability to move down blocks and get to the ball. He’s an elite run stopper and consistently draws double teams. There’s been some concern with his pass rush ability, but the college totals (13 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in his final season at Texas) provide evidence that he can be an effective pass rusher. Frankly, though, the most important attribute the Browns should target in a defensive lineman is the ability to stop the run. The improved secondary can back up a competent pass rush, but without the ability to slow down opposing running backs, there are going to be issues getting the offense enough opportunities to keep the Browns in games.

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So there you go, Browns fans. My thoughts on the picks the Browns should make at 12 and 19.

Just remember, when the Browns decide to trade away their future to move up and draft Marcus Mariota in the first round, and Mariota gets added to the names of failed Browns quarterbacks drafted in the first round, it’s not my fault. From what I can tell, that scenario is definitely still in play: