With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

53. . Quarterback. USC Trojans. Sam Darnold. 1. player

The Cleveland Browns could go any number of directions at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. There are multiple quarterbacks consider, a generational talent at running back, a premier pass rusher, and a number of outside-the-box options that could be validated.

Considering no Browns quarterback has started at least 10 games in three or more consecutive seasons since 1993, however, a field general becomes the best option.

I went back and forth between Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen here, but I ultimately landed on the quarterback with the higher ceiling. Darnold has Ben Roethlisberger potential as a big-body quarterback who can fit the ball into tight windows and shake off pass rushers.

Darnold could enter an unstable offense, but with Joe Thomas protecting his blindside and a quality offensive line overall, this would actually be an ideal fit.

Cleveland also has the No. 4, No. 33, and No. 35 overall draft picks, meaning it can complement Darnold with high-level skill players and an improved defense. It also has upwards of $100 million in cap space, thus creating another opportunity to give the incoming rookie the help he needs.

Thus, while many have painted the Browns as an undesirable destination, drafting Darnold could be the move that completes a huge offseason—one that results in an almost immediate turnaround.

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