Using the 2017 NFL Draft to fix the Cleveland Browns
By Jon Dove
Option #3
Use the No. 1 overall pick to select Alabama’s Jonathan Allen.
Use the 1st round pick acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles to select LSU’ Leonard Fournette
Use their own 2nd round pick to select Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
Use the 2nd round pick acquired from the Tennessee Titans to select Auburn’s Braden Smith
This option has the Cleveland Browns selecting Jonathan Allen rather than Myles Garrett. It’s not completely out of the question as Allen features the upside to dominate the line of scrimmage. He’s a more rounded player than Garrett, but doesn’t have the same type of sack potential.
Leonard Fournette would give Cleveland a dynamic running back capable of carrying the load. His addition would also help take pressure off whoever is working under center. Fournette has significantly more talent and upside than Cleveland’s current running backs—Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson.
Cleveland would get their potential quarterback of the future with Clemson’s Deshaun Watson. His stock has really faded this year, but he still has the raw talent needed to succeed in the NFL. Hue Jackson is the perfect coach to work with such a talented individual.
Auburn’s Braden Smith is an athletic guard prospect who does a great job opening up running lanes. If the Browns grab Fournette in the 1st round they should work to improve the offensive line.