2018 NFL Mock Draft: Early June Edition

Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the third quarteragainst the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the third quarteragainst the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 33
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cleveland Browns- Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

In this scenario, the Cleveland Browns miss out on the top two quarterback prospects. Some have UCLA’s Josh Rosen in the same category, but I personally have him rated as a middle 1st round prospect. This means the Browns could yet again pass on selecting a quarterback early in the draft.

The Browns could do much worse than adding a dynamic running back like Saquon Barkley. He’s a home-run threat who contributes as both a runner and pass catcher. Barkley is a legitimate threat to score every time he touches the football.

Related Story: Who will be Cleveland's Starting Quarterback?

I’m sure Cleveland could see some big things from such a talented runner working behind their strong offensive line.

It also helps that the Browns are loaded with draft picks for next year with another 1st rounder and three in the 2nd round. They could potentially orchestrate a trade to land one of the other highly-touted quarterbacks in this draft class.

Cleveland’s quarterback situation could also change if one of the players on the current roster improves. Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler and DeShone Kizer all bring the potential to seize control of the long-term job.

This would obviously change how the Browns approach the 2018 NFL Draft.