Week 17 is in the books and 60% of the 2012 NFL Draft order has been set (see earlier article for full order). Every week I will be analyzing the next team in the
draft order to provide analysis and potential strategies for the team at hand. Last week, I examined the Vikings, which means its time to look at the Cleveland Browns. Keep an eye out for your favorite team and feel free to leave comments below.
The Browns represent the first true wildcard as they have the means, motive, and opportunity to select almost any of the top prospects. The Browns have developed a respectable secondary, anchored by Joe Haden, and have a rising star in defensive tackle Phil Taylor. This defense is a few key players away from becoming a top ten unit. On the flip side, the offense has a number of issues, starting with the quarterback. It is clear after three years that Colt McCoy is not enough under center, and new talent is needed at the position. A year ago, Peyton Hillis seemed to be the franchise running back, but this season almost guaranteed that Hillis will be in a new city next fall. The wide receiver position is shaky at best, and is lacking a true number one. There seem to be holes everywhere, but Browns are armed with 9 picks in this draft, four of which are top 100 picks.
The first player that must be discussed is the Heisman trophy winner, Robert Griffin III. RG3 is a sensational player, and the Browns need a quarterback if they ever aim to be competitive. If RG3 were to slide to the Browns at #4, I have no doubt they would select him, but this is not a likely scenario. The Redskins and Dolphins are both looking for quarterbacks and will be looking to trade ahead of the Browns for RG3. So if the Browns want RG3, they will need to trade up to #2 or #3 to block the Redskins and Dolphins. However, it is possible the Browns will pass on a quarterback this high, and look at one later in the draft (Tannehill, Foles, etc.), or even through free agency (Matt Flynn). If the Browns pass on a quarterback with their first pick, a number of other players become possibilities.
While it may violate the recent tradition of waiting for running backs, there are rumors of Trent Richardson being selected at #4. Mike Holmgren (Browns GM) knows the difference a true workhorse running back can make from his days in Seattle. The Seahawks rode Shaun Alexander all the way through the playoffs and almost to a Super Bowl win. Richardson is a rare talent at the position and withstand the pounding of 25-30 touches a game. Most draft enthusiasts (including myself) and experts agree that you wait for running backs because their shelf life so short in the league; however, Richardson is the rare exception to that rule. Richardson is the highest rated back to come out since Adrian Peterson, and I am higher on Richardson now, than I was on Peterson when he was drafted out of Oklahoma (just some food for thought).
Sticking with the other major hole on the offense, the Browns lack a truly number one receiver and if he still available I could see the Justin Blackmon coming off the board. Blackmon is the clear top receiver in this year’s class and will not make it out of the top ten. However, questions still remain about Blackmon’s game, as he flashes inconsistencies with his hands and breakaway speed. As I’ve said before, I project Blackmon as more of a Michael Crabtree type than AJ Green; but there’s no reason that Blackmon cannot anchor the Browns receiving core. While I personally feel this is too high for Blackmon, I would not be shocked to see the Browns go this route.
The final player that could go this early and fit with the Browns is defensive end Quinton Coples. Jabaal Sheard had a fantastic rookie season with the Browns, but they still need more of a pass rush. Standing at 6’6”, 275 pounds, Coples possesses the speed, size, and strength to play almost any position on the defensive line. He has the kind of versatility and play disrupting ability that made Justin Tuck a dynamic player. Like Blackmon, Coples is the clear top player at his position but I believe this is too high for him. Coples had a less than stellar season this year, and lacks the burst to be truly elite, like Jared Allen or Jason Pierre-Paul.
The Browns have many holes, but have plenty of ammunition to maneuver around the draft for the players they want. With two picks in the first round, the Browns have the potential to dramatically change their team and become competitive again. Next week, I will examine one of the biggest surprises this year, the Buccaneers.