Who Should the Cleveland Browns Select at 8th Overall in the 2016 NFL Draft?

By Ha Kung Wong

Twitter: @FBGarbageTime

As you’re all probably aware of by now, the Philadelphia Eagles have followed the Los Angeles Rams in “selling the farm” in order to move up in the 2016 NFL Draft and get the second overall pick.

You can probably see it in the embedded tweet, but just in case, here’s the breakdown:

Philadelphia Eagles GET:
  • 2nd Pick in 2016 Draft
  • A fourth round pick in 2017
Cleveland Browns GET:
  • 8th Pick in 2016 Draft
  • A third round pick in the 2016 Draft
  • A fourth round pick in the 2016 Draft
  • A FIRST round pick in the 2017 Draft
  • A SECOND round pick in the 2018 Draft

Oh. My. Gosh.  And since most NFL Draft pundits expect the Rams to take Jared Goff (though I think they should take Wentz) at first overall, I sure hope Carson Wentz ends up being all he’s been hyped up to be since the Eagles are basically trading away everything they have in the draft over the next three years to get him.  And history is NOT on their side, as the last two times teams traded up to No. 2 Overall to draft a QB was in 1998, when the San Diego Chargers traded up to get Ryan Leaf, and in 2012, when the Washington Redskins traded up to get Robert Griffin III.  Eek.

But the more interesting side of the equation may be what the Browns decide to do with their haul of 12 draft picks, and in particular, what they’ll now do with No. 8 Overall.  Let’s take a look.

And with the 8th Overall Pick, the Cleveland Browns select…

I’ve already discussed where I think the needs are for the Browns this offseason.  In short, the biggest needs when free agency started existed at quarterback, defensive line and wide receiver.  One might also argue that after all the free agent losses, the offensive line should rank up there as well.  So, as of now, assuming that the Rams and Eagles decide to take Wentz and Goff in some order at 1 and 2, here are the two players I think the Browns should target and who have potential to be available at 8th overall.

Joey Bosa – Defensive End

Combine Results:

40 Yd. Dash – 4.86 sec.     Bench Press – 24 Reps     Vert. Jump – 32.0 Inches

Broad Jump – 120.0 Inches     3 Cone Drill – 6.89 sec.     20 Yd. Shuttle – 4.21 sec.

Joey Bosa is the best DE in the draft.  He has incredible versatility, as he can pass rush at DE, line up at OLB or even drop into shallow coverage.  He has great lateral quickness and strongly uses his hands to clear or drive back back OTs, making him a good technique pass rusher and a solid run stopper.  Some have noted that he isn’t quick around the edge, but honestly, he doesn’t have to be.

Check out some of his highlights and you’ll see what I mean.

Ronnie Stanley – Offensive Tackle

Combine Results:

40 Yd. Dash – 5.20 sec.     3 Cone Drill – 8.03 sec.     20 Yd. Shuttle – 4.90 sec.

Ronnie Stanley is one of the best blockers in college, and among the top O-line choices in the 2016 NFL Draft.  Being an Notre Dame fan, I’ve seen a lot of his tape as he managed to help keep sophomore QB Deshone Kizer upright after he unexpectedly had to take over for injured starter Malik Zaire in the second game of the season.  So I may be biased, but I’m more convinced than most that he’ll be an immediate day 1 starter for any NFL team, regardless of concerns regarding his effort level.  Stanley is extremely agile and counters instantly versus edge rushers, making it very difficult for them to get to the pocket.  He has great lateral movement and transitions well if pass rushers get beside him.  RGIII will need time to be effective, as we’ve already seen how poorly he does under pressure, and Stanley can help make that happen.

Check out how effective Stanley is both at pass protection and at run blocking.  Note that for run plays, he can basically push defenders out of the way, clearing the path for big gains around the edge.

***

Honestly, either pick would be a terrific value for the Browns at 8th Overall.  I personally think that Bosa would be the better value, filling a slightly more critical need.  But Stanley makes a lot of sense if the Browns intend to rely on RGIII behind center, and getting defensive help later in the draft (since they now have an NFL record-tying 12 total picks, 6 of which are in the top 100) is much easier than getting elite offensive tackle help in later rounds.

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